February 9

Topic : Restitution and interpersonal Relationship that brings God's Blessing.

Text : Exodus 21, 22, 23

Key Text : Exodus 22:1  If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.

Discussion: After giving the Ten commandments, God still gives Moses,  a standard of Judgement,  by which he and the whole Israel should relate,  and measure judgment.  God had to do this because,  he loves all things to be done,  decently and in order.

It is however important to note that,  this Judgement, are judicial, and not to be carried out by the affected person, (see  Exodus 21:6, 22, 22: 8, 9)

The Restitution rule was set also to bring a caution  to the people,  so that they will  live a life of  decorum and decency, this however, in the new testament goes beyond  that, it is a testimony of a clear  Conscience, towards men, it is not carried out by the judges but by the offender,  by seeking peace with those he has wronged.

Restitution  is not that we do,  when we are forced to repay when we are caught,  no,  it it that which we do when we genuinely give our life to Christ and become  born again, and there is a conviction within that you cannot keep anymore  that which is not yours,  just like Zacchaeus in Luke 19:8  And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.

When we take this is taken into consideration,  and we live a life of clear conscience  both before God and man we will see God's Blessing  coming onto our lives.

See some of God's blessing  for you in Exodus 23:22-23, 25-27

God shall fight for you.
He shall supply all your need,  and bless your  bread, and water.
He will heal you and give you health.
You will be productive and not Barren.
He will put your fear on your enemies

Challenge: do you have a testimony a clear conscience before God and man?

Prayer: Lord let my life please you that your blessings may be mine.