THE LORD SPOKE (February 20)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Leviticus 24-25

Death by stoning would seem to be horribly cruel. In fact, it was probably the most humane means available in Old Testament times. The criminal was first bound and then cast head-first from a low cliff. The actual stoning was the follow-up to ensure that death was swift. It was commanded for:

• apostasy (Lev. 20:2; Dt. 13:11; 17:5)
• blasphemy (Lev. 24:14,16,23; Dt. 13:6-11)
• sorcery (Lev. 20:27)
• Sabbath violation (Num. 15:35-36)
• misappropriating that which is dedicated to the Lord (Josh. 7:25)
• disobedient son (Dt. 21:21)
• adultery (Dt. 22:21,24; Ezek. 16:40; 23:47)

Trials were always held in a public place, such as the open space near a city gate (Dt. 21:19). At least two witnesses were required to bring a conviction (Dt. 19:15) and they had to be eyewitnesses. When all the evidence had been presented, the judges gave their verdict and then those who brought the accusation had the duty of being the first to enforce the court’s sentence. Thus, a witness had to throw the first stone at the guilty person’s execution (Dt. 17:7). It is important to note that “the entire assembly is to stone him” (Lev. 24:14,16).

These requirements indicate the value and justice of death by stoning:

1. those bringing the accusation must have full proof and take responsibility
2. there is collective responsibility for crime prevention
3. executions should be public so that all may see and fear and recognize that any crime is against society as well as the one immediately harmed
4. no single blow can be traced

How we feel about this form of punishment for crimes committed is not the issue. Today we have much more “humane” methods but, unless they are applied, they have no value. God’s standards for capital punishment remain and it is the responsibility of human government to practice it.


New Testament: Luke 7

They were still telling the story since the days of Elisha. Looking out over the Jezreel and Harod Valleys on the south side of Mt. Moreh is the little village of Shunem where Elisha brought a young boy back to life (II Ki. 4:18-37). He was an only child - the consolation of a woman who had some wealth but little else in this world. Her husband was an insensitive jerk. The death of her son left her grieving deeply and she sought out “the man of God”. People often didn’t even use his given name. If you spoke of “the man of God” everyone knew who you meant. Elisha went to the woman’s house and raised the boy from the dead!

Now, 850 years later, the Man of God was walking on the north side of Mt. Moreh (Lk. 7:11-17) near the little village of Nain (= Pleasantville, in English). A large crowd (vs. 11-12) caught His attention. It turned out to be the funeral procession of a young man. He was the only son of a widow and most of the town was grieving with her. When Jesus saw her grief “his heart went out to her” (vs. 13) and He stopped the procession.

No one expected what happened next - how could they? But no one missed the significance of the moment. “God has come to help his people” (vs. 16b), they said. Like Elisha, Jesus raised the boy back to life and gave him back to his mother. It’s not surprising that the people quickly identified Him as “a great prophet” (vs 16a). As the news “spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country” many came to believe in Him as much more than just a great prophet. Indeed, He is the Man of God. The God/Man. God Himself!

When Jesus comes near, you can expect the following:

1. Jesus’ heart breaks when ours does. He carries our sorrows (Is. 53:4).
2. Jesus identifies our exact point of need. He restores that which is most important to us. (Not necessarily what we think is most important, but what is really most important.)
3. Jesus’ power is greater than any obstacle we face. He can conquer even death (I Cor. 15:54-57).
4. Jesus is “God come to help his people”. He is Emmanuel.