lesson 3, July 10: Mercy and Justice: Earmarks of God s People
Sunday July 10 Mercy and Justice: Earmarks of God’s People Even in early Israel, social justice was very much a part of God’s laws and His ideal for His people. Justice is God’s original intention for human society: a world in which basic needs are met, people flourish, and peace reigns. Read the following texts and summarize what they say about mercy and justice. Exod. 22:21–23 , 23:2–9 , Lev. 19:10 , Prov. 14:31 , 29:7 . Mercy and justice also are highlighted in the Sabbath laws given to ancient Israel. God outlined three types of Sabbaths. How is the idea of mercy and justice reflected in each of these Sabbaths? Exod. 20:8–10 ; 23:10 , 11 ; Lev. 25:8–55 . Instructions in keeping the seventh-day Sabbath included providing equal opportunity for everyone to rest, including servants, animals, and foreigners. Every seven years, the Sabbath year was a time for canceling debts, for showing concern for the po...