ANGLICAN DAILY FOUNTAIN DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 (RESPECTING HUMANITY)
TOPIC: RESPECTING HUMANITY
TEXT: Exodus 22:16-31(NKJV)
MESSAGE
These series of miscellaneous laws in today’s text reveal God’s concern for humanity and His desire that people be not exploited. These include virgins (vv. 16-17; see Deut. 22:23-24), foreigners in the land (v.21), widows (vv. 22-24), and the poor (vv. 25-27). God promises to hear the cries of those who are wronged and defend the poor and oppressed. We must take care of the oppressed and vulnerable in the society especially in the church. This is what James calls true religion (James 1:27).
On the other hand, witches and wizards were not permitted to live because they operated with the demonic powers that operated in the god-less religions of the nations around Israel. (See Lev. 19:31; 20:27 & Deut 18:9-12). Modern occult practices are an invitation for Satan to destroy lives. These are abhorred by God and have severe consequences.
Furthermore, we are to respect rulers and refrain from cursing them, even as we would refrain from cursing God. According to Romans 13, rulers are ordained by God. If we curse a leader, we are in danger of cursing the God who established the authority of human government. Finally, we have to give our hearts to obeying the law of God.
PRAYER: O Lord, grant me the zeal to obey your laws at all times in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Anglican Daily Fountain Devotional 20 September 2022 Message. The Church of Nigeria is the Anglican church in Nigeria. It is the second-largest province in the Anglican Communion, as measured by baptized membership, after the Church of England.
