All of Deuteronomy is a recap of what Moses has already told the people and in Deuteronomy 19 he is reminding them of the need for cities of refuge for those who took a life accidentally and the need for two or three witnesses and not just one witness to convict anyone of a crime. Mercy.

I sat in prayer thinking about all that God has created. I think of the order and precision of the heavens, the seasons in their appointed times, the rising and setting of the sun and moon. Then I think of all of us. I think of the chaos of the human heart and mind and multiply that by billions and I have no understanding. We are each of us beautifully and intricately made and God gives us minds and hearts to choose. Trillions of people choosing what they think is right and just and good. In those trillions of choices do we see justice? Do we see love for others? Do we see mercy? Can we truly wonder why God is giving the people instructions in how to live justly so people can dwell in peace?

In this present age we live in, who can understand the lies, the violence, the rushing to rule over others? Who can understand a heart broken by hate? Most of us live ordinary lives trying to do good and raise families that respect values we ourselves have been given. We can’t escape knowing the evil that people do all over the world because news is instantaneous.

This is what God the Lord says – the Creator of the heavens, who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth with all that springs from it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: “I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open the eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.” (Isaiah 42:5-7).

When Jesus went to his hometown of Nazareth to speak in the synagogue there, He quoted the above lines from Isaiah. “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18-19.

Whenever I try to understand the confusing mess the world is in today, when I try to understand hearts bent on evil; God reminds me not to look within myself for understanding apart from Him. Who can understand the human heart and mind? The Lord God our Creator. He will take our hand and lead us in His righteous truth. Not to be crusaders but to live in His peace and be a light of trust in the great darkness. Jesus shows us how and Isaiah foretold His love and mercy. God’s love will light our human hearts and minds and bring His peace. I don’t need to understand the human heart and mind. I need to keep my eyes on Him who does. But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” Isaiah 43:1. He knows your heart, your mind, your need for Him…your name. Beloved.