| In Bible study we have been looking at Deuteronomy as a model for covenant living as individuals and as a community. In ch 21: 1-23 regulations are laid out for a murder when the culprit cannot be determined. The distance is measured from the scene of the crime to the nearest city and the people of that city must gather together and sacrifice a heifer to make atonement for the crime. This is only one example in the Law of the community being held responsible for sin and, while at first it seems strange, when thought about, it makes complete sense. The community harbored the criminal as he harbored hate in his heart. What offenses did his family overlook? What anger did his friends justify? Of course, the murderer is first and foremost responsible for his actions but in community- real, honest, close communion- if the family and church are honestly trying to deal with the heart of its people, they can curb violent sins. What seems strange to me is the way that society today perverts the system. How often does someone make a plea for innocence claiming that "society made me do it" or blaming their parents, their siblings, their teachers. We are quick to acquit someone if they lay the blame on another but so very slow to take responsibility. Here is one small example: recently in our neighborhood some rowdies have taken to batting down mailboxes at night. If we had true community, if we talked with one another, knew the families around us, the guilty parties might be easily found. Parents would have long talks with their children about respect for property, restitution could be made. Instead, most people just shrug their shoulders and buy stronger mailboxes. When we saw parents abusing their children, hate growing in hearts, we wouldn't turn our backs, hide behind our morning newspaper and coffee, wait for the police or some government agency to deal with the problem. We would alert the community, bring the wrongdoing to light and execute justice that, in order that we might "purge the evil" from our communities, as scripture puts it. Instead, we buy better locks, better security systems and allow evil to perpetuate, generation to generation. I know we can't change society overnight, indeed, such a change seems a herculean feat at this point. I guess I am just mourning for the lack of community that so many people are experiencing and the isolation that results. In the same way, I am so grateful for my church and the community there because I know that if evil and hatred are growing in my heart, my family and community in Christ will quite likely see it and call me to repentance and change. |
