Under the Old Testament law, a person who had obtained property dishonestly had to make full restitution with interest to the owner, on the day he came to present his guilt offering to the priest (Lev 6:1-7). A sacrifice offered without restitution being made would not be acceptable to God. In the account of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-9) we see the spirit of this law, as Zacchaeus freely determines to restore what he had dishonestly taken from others.
The truth is, a thief who will not restore what he has taken is a thief still. No amount of sorrow or resolve to no longer steal changes this fact. This shows that the repentance is only superficial. A truly broken heart not only sees that God has been offended, but also recognizes how sin affects others, and will be quick to do what is in its power to make things right. To refuse to make proper restitution shows that the heart is still selfish.
When Zacchaeus encountered Christ, he at once, with a willing heart determined to make things right. Jesus recognized this as proof that he had truly repented, and entered the kingdom of God.
We could do a lot to improve our justice system by following God's example of restitution.
ReplyDeleteThe Law did not provide incarceration, it was based on restitution.
Ex 22:1
If a man shall steal an ox, or a sheep, and kill it, or sell it; he shall restore five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.
Before he was saved, Charles Finney was studying law. He noticed that many Old Testament passages were referred to in law books so he went out and bought a Bible. I wonder how many biblical references remain in the books now?
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