Reading
SAA Notes
Restitution is a major part of making things right with God and with our neighbours. In ancient Israel there were no jails as such. When caught stealing, you and your extended family had to make restitution – often up to 20% more. Policing was done by the extended family, which was held responsible for your debts. This is a clan society. Victims saw justice.
SJA Notes
* Dear God, thank You for today. Thank You for Your word. Please teach us today from Your word.
“… On the day he realizes his guilt.”
The realisation of guilt is a big deal.
But as importantly the actions that come out of this realisation are so important.
Here we see the mark of repentance.
A spirit of willingness to restore with abundance.
Repentance from our sinful thoughts, words and deeds requires a fundamental shift in our behaviour.
We realise our sin, and the cost of our sin.
We realise what it meant to save us, the cost to our Saviour.
And we realise that we are saved through such grace and mercy, so let us show forth that grace and mercy to those around – cup running over, abundant and more.
And it begins here in this passage with a realisation of guilt.
We can wrestle with this, what it means for us today.
* Father God in Heaven,
Please forgive us our sin.
Please open our spirits to realise our guilt, to turn away from the sin and toward You in true repentance.
May we show forth Your love abundantly without thought of return.
Amen.