Leviticus 25; Psalm 32; Ecclesiastes 8; 2 Timothy 4
Daily Catechsism
QUESTION 78: WHAT IS FORBIDDEN IN THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT?
Answer: The seventh commandment forbids all unchaste thoughts, words and actions.
Scripture: Matthew 5:28-32; Job 31:1; Ephesians 5:3, 4; Romans 13:13; Colossians 4:6.
Leviticus 25
This chapter covers the Sabbath Year and the Year of Jubilee as well as the general redemption of property and slaves. It also covers caring for poor relatives. The sabbath year gives rest to the land and establishes that the LORD is the provider and sustainer of his people and that the land is ruled by him. The Jubilee expresses that all land and all persons belong to the LORD. It seems that there is a lack of evidence that the Jubilee was ever actually followed by the Jews and there is direct evidence that it was at least for a time, not honored (Lev 26:34; 2 Chron 36:20-21). Farmland that was sold would have to be calculated with a proration due to the fact that in the 50th year it wold return to the original owners, regardless of the sale. Slaves would be freed as well. Jubilee makes clear that land and slave possessions were not forever. Some exceptions were walled homes and the fields of Levites. Walled homes could not be redeemed after one year (except for the Levites) and the Levites farmland could never be sold in the first place. Here we see the use of the Biblical term “redemption” and understand that it is a purchasing back of freedom or ownership. The redemption price depends upon the number of years to Jubilee, which was like an auto-redemption accomplished by God without a redemption price.
Psalm 32
Great teaching on repentance.
v1-8. These verses alternate between action and a response (or result) that follows.
v1-2. Begins with the forgiveness and justification but it is for the one who’s spirit is not deceitful.
v3-4. Then he describes the state of the sinner who recognizes his sin and fails to confess.
v5. Moves then to the confession and resulting forgiveness.
v6-7. Encourages all to take this similar step in the present for preservation.
v8-9. The Lord teaches repentance now as the refuge and the preservation…this is a very practical preservation.
v10-11. Sorrowful will be the one who does not repent and confess his sin, but glad in the Lord will be the one who enjoys the righteousness of Christ!
Ecclesiastes 8
Ultimately we cannot know the precise will of God and it seems that he is pleased sometime to allow the wicked to prosper (for a time) and the righteous to be afflicted. In the end (eternally, at the very minimum) the righteous will do well and the wicked will suffer harm. Fearing God is the difference between the two groups.
2 Timothy 4
Paul gives a stern charge to Timothy here to preach the Word. He references the judgement of Christ as to suggest that Timothy’s calling is such that he would be judged for not preaching the Word. He is to be ready always and he is not to hold back punches. He is to thoroughly utilize the scripture to teach and to train the flock. He is to be patient and know that there will be opposition and troubles. Paul give examples of the opposition he has faced as encouragement for Timothy to fight the good fight and not give up. He speaks of those who will want to be taught what they want to hear rather than the full counsel of God. Preaching to the desires of the people is a bad idea. It takes devotion and endurance and labor to fulfill the ministry of the Word. Paul speaks of rewards in heaven in his reference to his crown of righteousness. He indicates that there will be crowns for all who wait eagerly for the Lord’s coming, not just for the preachers. Verse 18 reveals that the rescue Paul has in sight is an eternal one and not a temporal one…and for this Paul rejoices!
Soli Deo Gloria!
