Deuteronomy 25:13-16 - "You must use accurate scales when you weigh out merchandise, and you
must use full and honest measures. Yes, use honest weights and measures, so that
you will enjoy a long life in the land the LORD your God is giving you. Those who cheat with
dishonest weights and measures are detestable to the LORD your God.
There were so many things Moses had observed
over the 40 years he had led them through the wilderness…so he allowed God to
form his last words into short bursts of random ways to please God in all that
we do. He must have seen some problems with honesty…for God allowed Moses to
speak these words about the accuracy we must use when buying and selling….to
remind them of his previous words in Leviticus 19:35-36.
I don’t think God is talking just about the
scales we use to measure our deli purchases here…the concept of honesty stretches
far past a simple purchase at our local store. We are called to be honest…when
dealing with other people…no matter what...so Satan cannot come in at a later
time and convince us somehow that we deserve more than our fair share.
Dishonesty is hated so by God because it
shows a character that does not truly love what God loves. God is fair and just…and
always gives us more than we deserve. A man who is accustomed to using false
weights and measures to cheat people…sure hasn’t allowed God to change his
heart. I guess that is why he got so angry at the money changers that day in
the temple. He just couldn’t allow the greed and sin to permeate his house.
The anger of Jesus had such an impact on
the disciples that all four gospels record the story…one only has to read Matthew
21:12-13… Mark
11:15-18… Luke
19:45-46… and John
2:13-17. It must have been one of Jesus’ most frustrating moments…to
see such greed and dishonesty…to see the people he loved be taken advantage
of. His heart was already heavy with emotions…knowing
his death was soon…his heart must have ached for us as he realized this was one
of the sins he must die for on that cross.
He must have really been
happy with those that bought there though….I mean think about it….they all knew
that they were being scammed…and they exchanged their money for that pair of
doves anyway! They wanted above all things to offer the right sacrifice to God…so
they allowed the money changers to be dishonest so that they could please him.
This may be a total stretch…but
maybe those of us that pay our taxes without trying to find loopholes and deductions
that aren’t quite true…please God because he knows our heart just can’t be
dishonest. God loves us no matter what…but
he will bless us if we allow the heart he changes by his love to always show
others how to be honest in any matter that involves weights or scales or money
exchanges.
Father…I thank you for the
reminder that I need to be honest. Help
me to never allow Satan to trick me into thinking that I deserve anything more
than what you have allowed. Let my yes
be accountable and always truthful….and let my no be evident when Satan tries
to lure me with dishonest thoughts. Show me how to live an honest life…and like
Zacchaeus...reveal to me any dishonest dealings I need to make right. Amen.
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