Read the Word:
Deuteronomy 25:5-10
Meditate on the Word:
In yesterday’s sermon on Mark 12:18-27, we saw that the Sadducees used this command in a ridiculous example in order to try to make Jesus’ claims of resurrection to look ridiculous. This portion of the law may seem ludicrous to us today, but it served two purposes. It helped to protect the widow from a life of poverty, and it helped to keep the family’s land in the family for future generations. It would also ensure that a family’s name would not be cut off due to a lack of an heir.
Probably the most well-known example of Levirate marriage in practice is the story of Ruth. Both her husband and brother-in-law were dead. And her father-in-law. Boaz married her and redeemed the family land. Then, they had a son, Obed, who would go on to become the grandfather of King David. This was possible because of Boaz’s willingness to be a redeemer for the family.
Much of the Old Testament law may be confusing and difficult for us to read and understand. It is worth the time, however, to understand why it was written and how it affected the lives of God’s people. And how it still affects our lives today. It is the history of our faith, and worth the effort to get to know.
Pray the Word:
Ask our Lord to give you understanding about some passage that you have difficulty with. Then, be willing to listen and understand.
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