Something Proved, Something New

Joshua 20

One of my temptations when I look at a text is to use the text to prove something that I already believe. Then I figure that I can take that text and base a lesson or sermon on it to teach someone I know what they should really be doing. Today's text is a great example of this.

In Joshua 20, You are telling the people to set aside cities of refuge so that those who kill someone accidentally will not be killed in return by the avenger of blood. It's a really fascinating idea, because what it means is that there are different levels of punishment for the same action depending on the motivation of the one who commits the action. It means that, apparently, there are not hard and fast lines saying this sin equals this punishment every time, no exceptions. It shows that it is fair to look at a situation and judge on a case to case basis what it proper as far a punishment.

This is a message that I believe anyways. I believe that hard and fast rules are generally unfair, and that case by case processing allows for better relational connection. I believe that it is not fair to treat everyone equally. I also believe in forgiveness, which these cities of refuge sort of offer.

So, I already believe what I see in the text here. And it is hard for me to see anything else in it. I can't find my way past my first thought, and my first thought is something I don't need much backing up and proof to continue to believe. Instead, I would rather find something new, something fresh, something creative.

But we don't always get something new from faith. Except for Your mercies, which are new every morning. In my stillness this morning, thank You for a text of fairness. Help me to be involved in representing this idea of fairness to my classes. But more important, help me to be aware of that whihc is consistently new: Your love, Your mercy, Your grace.