EQUAL JUSTICE FOR ALL

Introduction

All men are created in God’s image, even if that image has been marred. We are here because God has determined that we would be. This is not of our design. We as Christians must differentiate between things civilly and religiously. We have to begin at Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." God has original jurisdiction over all the earth and its inhabitants because He is the reason for its and their existence. No God, no earth, no humans. God establishes the rules by which things are to governed. He is the law-giver. This is what Isaiah 33:22 declares to us, "For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us." He is the judge, lawgiver, and king. We are the judged, the law-keepers, and the ruled.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Even though man may rebel against God, God stills extends His grace to all men while they are living on the earth because they are His creation. An example of this principle is found in Matthew 5:45, "That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." God still provides physically for rebellious man. Of course, this will make incorrigible man’s condition in the lake of fire all the more painful because of God’s goodness and kindness extended toward him, despite his wanting to be his own god.

In Exodus 22:21, we read, "Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt." The Israelites were not to wrong or persecute those outside of covenant because they themselves were in the same in position in Egypt. They are not to treat outsiders as they were treated. They were to extend the same civil privileges of Israel to all and not to discriminate against these strangers. In other words, all had an equal footing when it came to justice.

Exodus 12:49 says, "One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you." The law is one law, not one for a particular people and another for the others. This one law is because there is only one God as Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD." Civil justice is not to show favoritism to one group above another. All are to be treated the same before the law. Justice is to be meted out equally among all groups of people.

Paul writing in Romans 2:1-11 states this principle best, "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. 2But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: 8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11For there is no respect of persons with God." Some of God’s attributes are His goodness, mercy, and patience. He even extends these to the wicked for a period of time, allowing them the opportunity to repent. God judges each man according to what he has done. There is no partiality in God’s judgment because He does not show respect to persons. If you have done wrong, you will suffer the consequences of those actions. If you do right, you will be rewarded accordingly.

Conclusion

The First Commandment of Exodus 20:3 is prevalent in the Exodus 22:21. If we are not to have no other gods before him, then we are to have one God and He will have only one law. Ephesians 4:4-6 reads, "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." One means unity. One God means one law for the plurality, even the stranger. Also, the golden rule of Matthew 7:12 applies to the law stated in Exodus 22:21 that is we are to treat others as we would want to be treated, not as we were treated.

THE LAW AND LOVE TO OUR ENEMIES

Introduction

The Bible makes it clear that in this life, we are going to have those who oppose us, no matter what. How do we deal with these situations from a biblical standpoint? The law of God gives us the answer, kindness. Being kind is a hard to fight. 1 Corinthians 13:4 speaks about charity or love as, "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up." Charity is kind. This, however, does not mean that we do not uphold the law of God in showing no mercy where so prescribed by the word. Law and love are not opposed to each other. One of the fruits of the Spirit is kindness as Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith." Gentleness here is synonymous with kindness.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Exodus 23:4-5 reads, "If thou meet thine enemy’s ox or his ass going astray, thou shalt surely bring it back to him again. 5If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him." This is a practical way of showing love even to our enemies. If we find our enemies animal going awry, we are to physically get the animal and return it to his master. If the donkey is to weighed down under a load, you are to assist your enemy in helping the animal to be released from the burden. In other words, we are not to look the other way when our enemy needs help. This is a moral law and not a civil law.

God is interested in evangelizing the lost of the world. The world is looking on seeing if there is any truth in religion. Our religion is to be this worldly in taking practical steps in winning the lost to the faith. Jesus said in Matthew 5:43-48, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. 46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? 48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Here He gives the practical advice of doing good or being kind to those that hate us. God, Himself is kind, even to His enemies, the wicked, and we are to follow suit. We are to be different because the world loves those that loves it but hates those that are opposed to them. We are not to be like sinners, but demonstrate something the world cannot fight, the love of God.

The book of wisdom, Proverbs, contains this verse in Proverbs 25:21-22, "If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: 22For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee." We are to assist our enemies when they are in physical distress. This kindness will have the effect of melting a hard heart and may be effectual in the salvation of this enemy. It may be that an enemy will become a friend. An example of this was Saul and David and as was specifically recorded in 1 Samuel 24:9-11, "And David said to Saul, Wherefore hearest thou men’s words, saying, Behold, David seeketh thy hurt? 10Behold, this day thine eyes have seen how that the LORD had delivered thee to day into mine hand in the cave: and some bade me kill thee: but mine eye spared thee; and I said, I will not put forth mine hand against my lord; for he is the LORD’S anointed. 11Moreover, my father, see, yea, see the skirt of thy robe in my hand: for in that I cut off the skirt of thy robe, and killed thee not, know thou and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in mine hand, and I have not sinned against thee; yet thou huntest my soul to take it." David could have easily slain Saul, but showed kindness unto him, as he was the Lord’s anointed. David did good to his enemy.

Paul writing in Romans 12:20-21 said, "Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." He was obviously referring to Proverbs 25:21-22. We are to try to see the heart of sinners melt because of our kindness and goodness toward them. We do not fight evil with evil but rather with good. I believe that Paul got saved because of the kindness of Stephen. We read in Acts 7:57-60, "Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep." Stephen interceded prior to his death for his enemies. He even asked God not to hold them accountable for their sin.

Conclusion

The law of God gives us practical wisdom, even when dealing with our enemies. Proverbs 16:7 says, "When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him." If we please God, then we will do good to all men and goodness and kindness are hard to fight back. When in tight situation, even sinners desire help. Melt their hard hearts with kindness.

THE LAW AND EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES

Introduction

We live in a work world characterized by the division of labor. God has seen fit to give to each of us abilities that others do not possess and given us assignments that only we can fulfill. Jesus explained in Matthew 25:14-15 this very principle, "For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. 15And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey." In this parable some were given more than others. Of course, to whom much is given, much is also expected of them. In other words, those who are given more are expected to produce more. Not everyone is going to be an employer. Some simply do not have the ability nor the wherewithal. They have been called to be employees. If a Christian can, they should seek to be self-employed. This is the general rule, but for some it will not be practicable. Christian employers should seek Christian employees. The rule is to do good to all men, especially those of the household of faith as Galatians 6:10 implores.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Exodus 21:20-21 reads, "And if a man smite his servant, or his maid, with a rod, and he die under his hand; he shall be surely punished. 21Notwithstanding, if he continue a day or two, he shall not be punished: for he is his money." Here we have a case law concerning servants and masters. This can be applied to today’s employer and employees. If these servants were killed by their master, then the master was to be punished and the punishment here is not specified by the Bible. However, we know that if the servant died that day, it would be consider murder which carries the death penalty. However, if the servants do not die, then the master suffers no punishment because he obviously did not intend to kill the servant. The master has an economic interest to ensure that death does not result from his punishing his servant. He would lose an asset and future earnings from his labor.

Paul spoke to masters in the New Testament in Colossians 4:1, "Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven." Earthly masters are to understand the there is someone who is their Master. They are treat and supply a just and equal wage to those that they employ. God holds them accountable. To underpay a worker is not just and equal and God is keeping record. The master is in a position of authority over the employee. He is not to take advantage of the situation and his position of authority. He is to be wise in his dealings with his fellow man. Paul further wrote in Ephesians 6:9, "And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him." Masters are encouraged to treat their servants with deference. This will lead to good personal relations, as well as inspiring more productive employees. Employees work harder when they are treated fairly. God is watching employers in their dealings with their employees.

Paul also had words of admonition for servants in Titus 2:9-10, "Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." The word purloining means to pilfer things of small value. Employees engender punishment by their taking advantage of their employers. They take things that do not belong to them, thinking the boss won’t miss it anyway. Employees are to obey just as they would obey Christ. An employee must be honest, otherwise, he will bring shame to the name of Christ. They are not to back talk those who employ them and are in positions of authority over them. This, of course, does not mean that they are to be doormats when circumstances would warrant.

Paul further advised servants in Colossians 3:22, "Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God." Some employees only work when the boss is around and watching them. The minute the cat is away, the employees begin to play. A Christian does not need someone monitoring his every action, for he does what he is paid for. He is not a man pleaser but a God pleaser. He serves God on the job and his attitude that he is not working for man, but for Christ. He is characterized by integrity, honesty, and uprightness.

Conclusion

Life is about two way streets. The Bible gives authority to masters to discipline their servants. However, their authority is limited. Those in positions in superiority are to show restraint and not to go beyond their boundaries. Those under authority are not to take advantage of the goodness of their employer. Employees deserve to be punished for their actions on the job. God’s moral authority reaches even into the workplace.

RESPECT YOUR ELDERS

Introduction

With each passing year, an individual generally gains in wisdom and experience. They usually do not make the same mistakes of their youth. They have become wiser. There is something to be said about having white hair. We that have them, have earned them. This is what Proverbs 16:31 says in this regard, "The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness." The white haired are wearing a crown of glory of wisdom, if they are using it in a right way. It is thus, a blessing. Some of us older ones would not trade places with the younger. They will make too many mistakes. They have much to learn yet. The Lord Jesus Christ as pictured in Revelation has the head of wisdom in as Revelation 1:14 says, "His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire." The white hair is symbolic of wisdom. This is the same of God the Father in Daniel 7:9. "I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire." Those who have followed the Lord for many years become like their Father, wise.

Application

To properly understand the Bible, we need to use what is known as applied theology.

Leviticus 19:32 reads, "Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD." Plainly stated, we are to show respect to our elders and to fear God. Eldership is an important Biblical doctrine. Notice one of the qualifications for an elder in 1 Timothy 3:6, "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil." This is one who has not paid his dues. He has not attained to a level of wisdom or common sense. He is new at being a Christian and to put him in a position of authority, can and often leads to his downfall. Better to give the position to someone who is older and of less ability than one who has a lot of capability, but not much wisdom.

Paul restated Leviticus 19:32 in 1 Timothy 5:1-2, "Rebuke not an elder, but entreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 2The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity." Paul was instructing the young minister Timothy how to treat those who would be under his charge. Even though he had real authority, he was still required to do so with much deference. The older man may have more practical experience than the younger man. In other words, the younger man could learn a thing or two from the more experienced man. He was to treat the older women as if they were his own mother. Clearly, the fifth commandment is in view here. We are to revere our elders.

The book of Proverbs gives us this wisdom in Proverbs 23:22, "Hearken unto thy father that begat thee, and despise not thy mother when she is old." We are to show the proper respect for our father and mother, especially when they are older. Sometimes older people are set in their ways and can be difficult to deal with. This does not give us an excuse to treat them in an ill manner.

In our day and age, the old people are considered to be square and not worth listening to. We have generation gaps. Young people listen to their peers rather than the wise counsel of the ancients. An example is found in 1 Kings 12:4-14, "Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee. 5And he said unto them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. And the people departed. 6And king Rehoboam consulted with the old men, that stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, and said, How do ye advise that I may answer this people? 7And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. 8But he forsook the counsel of the old men, which they had given him, and consulted with the young men that were grown up with him, and which stood before him: 9And he said unto them, What counsel give ye that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke which thy father did put upon us lighter? 10And the young men that were grown up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou speak unto this people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it lighter unto us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins. 11And now whereas my father did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my father hath chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. 12So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, Come to me again the third day. 13And the king answered the people roughly, and forsook the old men’s counsel that they gave him; 14And spake to them after the counsel of the young men, saying, My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke: my father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions." Here it is right out in the open. This is a clear violation of God’s law and the king suffered appropriately for listening to the advice of these novices.

Conclusion

God expects us to esteem those with hoary heads. They have attained unto a place of special honor. Paul said in 1 Timothy 5:3, "Honour widows that are widows indeed." Generally, widows are older women. They need to be supported now that their husband has passed away. Honor your elders.