This is from today's readings Exodus 21-25
Exodus 21
Today we look at what many have seen as the awful demands of the Old Testament, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, in God's plan of justice for Israel (Exodus 21:23-24).
It may seem extreme but in times past people did not get equal justice. A tooth was lost and someone with greater power took a hand. A life was taken and the criminals entire family was wiped out. What God called for here seems radical in a culture that has been taught the value of mercy, but in this time the law is revenge, not equal justice. What God called for was equal treatment for everyone, no matter their station in life. It was a radical concept at its time and maybe still today.
The truth is, most people then and now don't want an eye for an eye. You took fifty dollars, I want a hundred. You embarrassed me in front of a few I want to destroy you in front of thousands. You attacked me, now I want to destroy your entire family or nation.
What God demanded then was a concept of fair retribution for wrongs in the context of their day. It was preparation for a more radical idea, mercy.
Look at your own life. Do you want what is fair when you are mistreated? or do you want more? Are you willing to go further and extend something else? to give what Jesus gave? Mercy?
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