Ancient History

Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it. (Jeremiah 6:16)

I overheard a study group talking in the library once. I wasn’t eavesdropping. I was standing nearby and their voices carried.

I guess it was a Bible study because I heard someone say and that’s why we don’t consider the Old Testament.

I’ve come across churches that declare they are New Testament only. (At least they let you know up front.)

When I was confirmed in the Episcopal Church in a grand gothic cathedral in Pittsburgh, PA, I had no opinion about such things. But the liturgy of the church did not exclude any part of the Bible. The words of the prophets, the Epistles, and the Gospels filled our ears.

The Psalms were often sung as incense rose to the ceiling.

I could never dismiss the Old Testament.

And when I studied the prophets years later, I understood why. I understood why God gets mad. Why it makes no sense sometimes to turn the other cheek. Why some people will reject and refuse correction no matter what.

Imagine the anger you’d feel if someone robbed your life’s savings. Or much worse. Why do we have courthouses if all you need is love.

In Proverbs 21 we read To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.

Victims of serious crimes and injustices understand this.

And although I believe in the power of love, I also know the ❤️ can cause someone to do unjustly. To perjure in court. To falsely accuse in order to help someone they love.

That’s why love alone doesn’t solve problems. A healthy dose of justice, of reasonable and humane laws, creates a more solid foundation for both the individual and the community.

Some people only understand eye for an eye. For instance, a couple of students thought it was fun to destroy the art work of other students. I talked to them and gave them many chances to cease such activity. But it was only when I walked by one day, snatched their works-in-progress from the table, and said MINE as I looked like I was going to rip it apart did I get their full attention.

I asked, What’s the problem. I thought you were okay with destroying other people’s work.

Yay…a lightbulb moment.

I saw improvement after that.

Luke’s Gospel tells us the word of God is a seed.

And the seeds are found in all kinds of people throughout history.

I think it’s wise to plant both seeds of love and seeds of law.

It’s wise to take a look at ancient history.