The Eighth Commandment: Work and Generosity

February 22, 2021
The Eighth Commandment: Work and Generosity
Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens
The Eighth Commandment: Work and Generosity

Feb 22 2021 |

/

Show Notes

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor†(Exodus 20:16). When most of us hear the ninth commandment, we think, “Okay, God doesn’t want me to lie. So I should be good and tell the truth.” And this is true! The ninth commandment does show that God calls His people to live honest lives. But it goes even deeper than that.

At its heart, the ninth commandment is really about justice. “False testimony†is a legal term that refers to lying in court. Lying in court could lead to an innocent person being punished or a guilty person walking away free. That’s why, in some cases, giving false testimony could carry the death penalty. God is serious about justice.

In this command, God communicates to His people that He is a just and righteous God, and He wants us to reflect His justice and righteousness. Injustice has no place in the kingdom of God. Therefore, this command is much bigger than “Tell the truth so you don’t get in trouble.â€

It calls Israel to execute justice in a way that reflects the justice of God. It commands Israel to dismantle unfair systems of oppression and promote honesty and integrity, recognizing each person as God’s image-bearer. God’s love and justice were to flow through every part of their society, turning Israel into a shining witness of God’s goodness to the whole world.

And they failed. In fact, we have all sinned against God’s justice (Romans 3:23). But God never fails. Even though lies and injustice have broken creation, God sent Jesus, the Truth in flesh, to perfectly embody God’s justice and righteousness. He took on our injustice and brokenness on the cross, bearing our punishment in His death. Then, He rose again, defeating sin and death.

When we’re weighed down by the world’s injustice, we find sure hope that Jesus is returning to one day destroy every lie and set right every wrong so that we as His people can dwell in His Truth forever. • Taylor Eising

• How do justice and truth go together? Can one exist without the other?

• Because Jesus is the ultimate Truth, we, as Christians, are called to live lives that reflect His truth, the gospel (John 14:6). What are some ways you can pursue gospel-centered justice?

The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. Psalm 33:5 (NIV)

 

Read Verses:

Exodus 20:15; Leviticus 19:9-10; Acts 4:32-35; Ephesians 4:28

Other Episodes

Episode

March 14, 2020
Episode Cover

Talents

Every week, Anna’s youth group offered volunteer opportunities. She watched her friends sign up to visit the nursing home or bake treats for a...

Listen

Episode

January 03, 2021
Episode Cover

Chemistry and Faith

Have you ever wondered what God wants you to do with yourlife? As teenagers, it often feels like the pressure is ON to decide...

Listen

Episode

June 07, 2020
Episode Cover

Can You Hear My Prayer?

Oh, Lord,My words are jumbled. Prayer is a struggle.Crying out to You— My heart is troubled. Oh, Lord,Am I speaking alone?Are my words lacking...

Listen