God of Prudence

God of Prudence Exodus 21 Context • The people have requested the mediation of a Prophet. • Book of the Covenant: 20:22-23:19 • “Rules” – case law; decisions judges should make when considering the principles/examples to follow • 2 sections – Laws about Servants; Laws about Injury • A word about Old Testament slavery (see 21:16) • These laws are not necessarily God’s ideal, but a revelation of God’s heart and character. God is Just • God cares about everyone’s rights equally: • Notice how God addresses the most vulnerable first: workers, slaves, women, victims, etc (9 out of the first 10 laws protect the servants’ rights) • God shows no partiality – the rich are shown no favor for their wealth, nor the poor shown greater latitude for their poverty (see Leviticus 19:15) • God demands just penalties (see v. 23-25), some severe to maintain order in the community (see 21:15) God Loves Freedom • God does not want a nation of servants (21:6) • God does not allow prolonged bullying from an outof-control manager (21:27) • God protects the rights of a vulnerable wife (21:810); if she is not treated well, the husband must let her go free • God forestalls retributive, vigilante justice (21:13) God Demands Prudence • God wants us to think ahead for the sake of others (21:28ff; animals and pits) • Nobody wins in a fight, so keep a level head (21:1820) • Reckless behavior can bring unanticipated and severe consequences (21:22-23) • Seek peaceful, mutually beneficial agreements over violence and harm (21:20) • Be careful about long-term relationships – enter them soberly and before God (21:6, 9-10) Servant of the LORD • Ministers must take the role of servants – see 2 Corinthians 6:1ff • Jesus’s life was defined by servanthood: 1. The Old Testament predicted a Messianic servant – Isaiah 42:1; Isaiah 53:11; Zechariah 3:8 2. Jesus “came not to be served but to serve” – Mark 10:45 3. Jesus took the lowliest place of a servant – John 13:12-14 4. Jesus took His service all the way to the cross – Philippians 2:5-8