Restitution

Exodus 22:5-8 -  "When a man causes a field or vineyard to be grazed over, or lets his beast loose and it feeds in another man's field, he shall make restitution from the best in his own field and in his own vineyard. "When fire breaks out and catches in thorns so that the stacked grain or the standing grain or the field is consumed, he that kindled the fire shall make full restitution.  "If a man delivers to his neighbor money or goods to keep, and it is stolen out of the man's house, then, if the thief is found, he shall pay double.  If the thief is not found, the owner of the house shall come near to God, to show whether or not he has put his hand to his neighbor's goods. 

God knew that all men would not choose to follow his rules…so he added a few verses about what we should do…if we have caused even accidental damage to another ones property with our actions.  The animals and belongings of the Israelites were everything they had…if they lost one…they lost more than just an animal…they lost the resources to feed or trade that animal for other things they needed. So God  introduces the Israelites to the concept of restitution…and tells them to pay back more than was damaged…and to make sure that the best of what we have is given as our payment.  God calls us to right our wrongs….even we didn’t do it on purpose.

Hard concept to grasp in our minds…even harder to put into action with our heart…but the scripture is clear here. No matter how hard it might be to do…we must find a way to make right the wrongs we have caused in life. That gossip you passed on…that by the way was not true…has to be apologized for. That sweater you borrowed and ruined…needs to be replaced…even if your sweet friend says it’s okay. That child that you slighted time…because you are a workaholic…needs to be made up as soon as possible.  Those tithe checks that you have not been writing …they need to be written in larger amounts than you thought you hid from God. And if you have done something worse…God will make a way for you to pay that back too.

It makes my mind wander on to a story in the New Testament.  That horrid tax collector Zacchaeus….who had an encounter with Jesus in Luke 19.  He knew this law well…and went way beyond it when he poured out to Jesus that he would not only pay back what he had taken 4 times…but give everything else he had to the poor. And if Jesus can change the heart of Zacchaeus….with just a simple dinner…he can change the heart of anyone. What joy and blessings must have filled Zacchaeus’ heart as he began to grasp the love of God….and gave more than he took.

Father…help me to see the past ...just enough to know what things I have done that need to be made right. Bring them to my mind so I can make them right.  Teach me how to have the heart of Zacchaeus….and give more than I take…so I can feel your sweet love wrap around me and fill me with the joy of doing more than what is expected of me. Amen.