March 17

Deuteronomy 21-23
When I read so many laws, pertaining to so many issues, I am reminded that God is not just setting up a church, He is establishing a nation. Therefore, a law book must be given to judge the people of that nation, much like America's laws and statutes. Whenever someone does something that is detrimental to our society, there must be a law to cover that situation in order to bring justice, and restore harmony. Seen in this light, the Law becomes Israel's constitution. It was their guiding foundation, crafted to promote unity, justice, and harmony for their nation. This why God often concludes a set of rules with the caveat, "So that it may go well with you."

The Christian church is different, in that we are a society born of all nations. Our constitution is the gospel of Jesus Christ; simply put, His death, burial, and resurrection. Our unity is found in our belief that there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one body, one Spirit, one hope, and one God and Father of all. Ephesians 4 : 4-6. Our justice is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. And our harmony is found in our love for each other. We answer to the laws of whatever nation we abide. Thus, God did not give us a judicial system, as He did Israel.