Finding Christ in the Old Testament Exodus 22

Finding Christ in the Old Testament
Exodus 22:20–23:13

The Lord gives Israel laws to govern their dealings with the sojourner, the widow, the orphan, and the poor—those most vulnerable. He commands mercy, fairness, and justice because He is Himself merciful and just. These laws reflect the heart of God, who defends the oppressed and hears the cry of the afflicted. In Christ, the perfect Judge and merciful High Priest, we see the fullness of God's justice and compassion. Christ not only upheld the Law in His life but bore the curse of the Law on the Cross, identifying Himself with the lowly and forsaken. In these commands, we see the character of Christ, who will judge with perfect equity and extend His mercy to those who fear His name.

Devotion
The Law teaches us to love as God loves: to protect, serve, and defend the weak. In Christ, God's justice and mercy meet perfectly, and we, once poor and needy in sin, are now heirs of His mercy.

New Testament Verse
James 1:27 (ESV)
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world."

Collect
Almighty and everlasting God, who defends the cause of the widow, the orphan, and the stranger, and whose mercy knows no bounds, grant that we, redeemed by the blood of Christ, may show forth Your compassion in word and deed, and so reflect Your righteousness in a world of injustice; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Hymn Verse
Jesus, refuge of the weary,
Blest Redeemer, whom we love,
Fountain in life's desert dreary,
Savior from the world above.
Often have Your eyes, offended,
Gazed upon the sinner's fall;
Yet upon the cross extended,
You have borne the pain of all.
— LSB 423:1, Jesus, Refuge of the Weary

Glory be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God, Now and Forever, Unto the Ages of Ages, AMEN!