Thoughts on the readings for February 12th (Exodus 22, Psalms 75, 76, Mark 8)

The first fifteen verses of Exodus 22 deal with restitution of property. The theft of a sheep, when discovered had to be repaid fourfold: cp David's repaying for his theft of a ewe lamb in losing four of his sons 2 Samuel 12 verses 1-6. There were different rates for other animals. Verses 5-6 cover damage to grain through negligence - non controlling of a beast, or fire. Verses 7-13 deals with property entrusted to another; and outlines the discussion around resolution of an arising disagreement. In verses 14-15 deals with hiring arrangements. Verses 16-31 centre around being holy people in their dealings with their neighbours. All dealings are underlined by the need to be just, fair and kind. All of these laws centre around protecting the weakest members of society and ensuring care is provided for them. The laws also provide advice for dealing with those powerful members of the community who would often exploit those people who are downcast. Psalms 75 and 76 are both from the pen of Asaph. There is a cluster of psalms here in the Sanctuary psalms of Book 3. They are all addressed to the Choirmaster. Psalm 75 is a prayer that God will rise up to judge the world in equity and righteousness. It begins with thanksgiving to the Almighty for His past faithfulness. Next the psalmist declares that he knows that God has appointed a set time for judgment: Psalm 102 verses 13-22; Acts 17 verses 30-31; 2 Timothy 4 verses 1-2. In this we too can rejoice. The Almighty would bring judgment from neither the east, nor the west; it always came from the north. God is the Judge, a kindred word to Dan; which tribe's inheritance was in the north. The cup in the Omnipotent Creator's hand contains the wine of retribution, which will be poured upon the guilty from all nations - those drunken with their own sense of self importance; and they drain that cup to the very bottom. Then will the faithful righteous be joyful in their Mighty One and exultant in Him. Psalm 76 tells the hearer that then Judah will be exalted and honoured Zechariah 8:20-23. Verses 2-4 describe the glorious abode of the LORD in Zion - the elevated world capital: Psalm 48 Isaiah 2 verses 1-5, Jeremiah 3 verses16-17; Matthew 5 verses 34-35. Once God has risen for judgment who can stand against Him and that His purpose cannot be frustrated by mere mortals. Those who remain no matter how important they were prior to His great work will be humbled by the Almighty when He has executed His judgement and all the earth will praise and worship the Almighty God of Israel. Mark's 8th chapter commences with the feeding of 4,000. The record contains some contrasts with that of the 5,000 - 1) the 5,000 were Jewish, the 4,000 were not; 2) the Apostles had immediate compassion for the 5,000, but no compassion for the others despite watching the multitude enduring for 3 days without any food; 3) the numbers of bread and fishes involved differed and taught different messages out of the feedings. This is followed by the rulers asking, but not receiving another sign. A discussion between our Lord and his enemies ensued about leaven. The disciples assume that Jesus was rebuking them for forgetting to take food. How illogical this was for he had shown his power to make food. It was about the corrupt influence of wrongful teaching. The chapter continues with the healing of a blind man. This man was cured by stages and took place at Bethsaida, illustrating the problem of perception - we so often, like that man see people out of proportion. Jesus next questions his Apostles on other people's perception of himself. Then our Lord asks them who they thought him to be. Several answers were given until Peter responded by declaring that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God. All of the Apostles are charged to not reveal this until after our Lord Jesus Christ has been raised from the dead. Once again our Master speaks of his despicable treatment, crucifixion and resurrection the 3rd day. The chapter finishes with an appeal for each of us to take up our stake daily to follow our Lord Jesus. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-february-12th-exodus-22-psalms-75-76-mark-8/?feed_id=84850&_unique_id=67aaf391e6131