Deu 24:6,10-13
Do not take a Pair of millstones not even the upper one as security for a debt, because that would be taking a man’s livelihood as security.

Another law putting the needs of the vulnerable (the borrower) above the power of the strong (the lender) OT law challenges lenders to lend responsibly and insists that they respect the debtor’s need for the means of food (vs 6) for warmth (vs 12_13) and for privacy and dignity of his own home and possessions (vs 10_11).

The debtor was allowed to keep everything necessary for living. They should not take a mill or an upper millstone as a pledge for a loan. That would deprive the poor person means of grinding grain. The lender could not even enter the debtor’s house to get his pledge.

Cynthia Sathiaraj
Chennai

🥥 In a Nutshell 🥥

🌹 Remember Miriam 🌹
God was reinforcing the various rules and regulations to the Israelites. God told the Israelites to be very carefully to do as the Levites instruct them regarding the disease of leprosy. Suddenly God told them to remember what happened to Miriam.

📖 Remember what the Lord your God did to Miriam along the way after you came out of Egypt (Deu 24:9).

There are so many noteworthy incidents to be recollected about Miriam, the elder sister of Aaron and Moses. But God wants us to remember what happened to Miriam along the way after they had come out of Egypt.

To remember what happened to Miriam we have to look back. Miriam and Aaron spoke evil of Moses because of the Cushite woman he had married. And the Lord took note of it (Num 12:1-16).

Miriam was punished with leprosy for her harsh words. Moses pleaded to God for her healing. She had to be quarantined for seven days before she was healed. Wonder why Aaron was not punished? Perhaps he was a passive associate of the gossip.

Miriam was the eldest daughter of Amram and Jochebed. She saved Moses when he was placed in the river. She danced and praised God after crossing the Red Sea. She was a powerful prophetess mightily used by God in leading the Israelites.

Yet she spoke against Moses and treated him with contempt. Perhaps she had a tinge of jealousy because God was using Moses more. Whatever be the reason she spoke evil and God heard it.

Dear ones in Christ, those who serve God are often criticized, commented and condemned. Remember what happened to Miriam before passing harsh, haughty criticisms. God hears all that we speak.

There is no partiality with God. If Miriam had to pay for her unwanted comments then no one who speaks against another can escape God’s wrath. Let us be free of and free from gossips, lies, liars and slanders.

Speak evil of no one. In present day context we can put it as, not forwarding or writing demeaning WhatsApp messages. May God give us the grace to be channels speaking good words.

Mrs Sheela Jebakumar ✍️
August 26, 2020