How can we wrap our heads around a holy, righteous God? He gives us a proper glimpse at holy justice. Not only does our Triune God provide the work of justification, but He instructs the kind of righteousness that gives identity and purpose to the whole person for the whole of life. Following the subject of personhood in previous chapters, we observe the promise of justice. Righteousness is affirmed in those who seek after obedience to the Lord’s will, they are justified. Those who do not abide by the Lord are condemned with just punishment, exacting and necessary according to the holy God (Deut 25:1–2). The holiness and authority of God is demonstrated in the exacting of justice, precise and thorough. The Lord admonishes His people to be precise just as He is, not undermining punishment by speaking too loosely or overcorrecting by doling out more than is necessary (Deut 25:3).
The Lord provides practical applications to this rule of following the purity of His exactness. The image of dignity once again comes to the foreground. The passage showcases the testimony of God’s mercy, compassion, and preservation of His people (all such unmerited favor). Justice comes to the issue of providing children for those in Israel. God calls for His people to raise up a name for the progeny of family inheritance, for the benefit of underclass women who would otherwise lack support, and for the legacy of the redeemer in prophetic terms—one who would come from the line as “True Israel” (Deut 25:5–10). Even in cases of conflict, the personhood of individuals is maintained while humiliation and deception are prohibited (Deut 25:11–13). God’s precious, chosen people (His Church) are to exemplify the dignity and worth He applies in the act of justifying the ungodly—treat others the way God commands, even with exactness in preserving dignity against criminals.
The last portion of the text points to the exactness of justice by reminding the people of Amalek. Warning is given in light of condemnatory actions; do not be like the Amalekites! The reward for evil is removal and utter devastation according to God’s holy standard (Deut 25:17–19). Who can live up to God’s standard!? There is one Savior who has secured eternal inheritance for those who desire mercy… mercy which comes solely through justice doled upon Him. Jesus the Christ the Son of the Living God has called His people and secures them in His righteousness. From Him we are given to work the joy of pointing to the truer dignity and worth found in Him.
Pastor Chris
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