Daily Readings (Page 250)

Injuring a pregnant woman is taken seriously in ancient Israelite law.  How should this shape our present-day attitude towards abortion?

A very clear distinction is made between wilful and unintentional murders (21:18-21).  Let parents be very careful in training up their children, setting good examples in controlling their passions, praying for them and taking heed not to provoke them to anger.  If we have done wrong either directly or indirectly, we must also be willing to make good.

Why do you think the death penalty was imposed when an Israelite attacked or cursed either or both of his parents?

The concept of slavery in ancient Israel is very different from that practiced in the American colonies during the 17th and 18th Centuries (21:2-6).  How does the humane side of Jewish slavery affect your attitude towards those who work under you?

What did God’s instructions to Israel as to how He should be worshipped remind you of worshipping Him in spirit and in truth (Jn 4:24)?

How does the awe the people had towards God remind us of the awe we should have towards Him?  How does Christ make the difference?     

What does it mean to covet?  Can you give three instances of covetousness?  Ask God to help you find contentment and fulfillment in Him.

Stealing does not only include unlawful procurement, it involves openly or secretly taking something that does not belong to you and procuring through fraudulent means and misleading others.  Not bearing false testimony also means to be truthful like God is.  How do you fare?

Why do you think Jesus linked adultery to lusty looks?  How did He underscore the gravity of sinning which begins with lusty thoughts (Mt 5:27-30)?

Murder is definitely a sin that invites God’s judgement but are you also guilty of getting angry with someone without wanting to reconcile with him (Mt 5:21-26)?  Come to God and let Him turn hatred into love (Jas 2:8)?