Restitution

This term usually involves money to be exchanged for a loss. Insurance companies are built upon the foundation of making restitution for a loss sustained upon my possessions that are insured with them.

God was handing down some laws that were very specific in dealing with possessions. I’ve never really that God was very concerned with my possessions. I know that He doesn’t want my possession and things I have to possess me. He was speaking to His people right after they had crossed the Red Sea and escaped from the Egyptians. He speaks to specific areas of their lives and to what little possessions they had. Some of these boundaries are still the underlying reason for our laws today. Check this out…

9 In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which somebody says, “This is mine,” both parties are to bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges declare guilty must pay back double to the other. (Exodus 22:9 NIV)

The “judges” mentioned here were hand-picked by God because they listened to Him when passing judgment. I can imagine having God speak into the situation when there was a dispute, the people learned early on that they would be found guilty if they stepped out side the boundaries the Lord had set for them. My mom used to remind me as a child: “Be sure your sins will find you out.”

I want to live my life in such a way that I can be a blessing to others and not a burden. I want to be respectful of others and their possessions – even if they have more than me. I want to protect the possessions that I have as well because I spent my hard-earned money to acquire them. However, I never want my possessions to become more important than my walk with the Lord. I want to keep proper perspective regarding possessions –both mine and others. I simply can’t begin to make restitution to the Lord for all He has done for me.

Pressing On!

Dwayne