It’s so good to get back to reading in my Bible and devotionals and sharing what I am learning. I confess Deuteronomy 22, like other Chapters dealing with Old Testament law is difficult and helpful. I want to breeze past the hard bits. But Jesus said “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17. So what to we do? We trust God.

The first verses, 1-12, show how to help others as you would appreciate help from others if your livestock strayed or was fallen down; practical life tips for crop planting, sewing, protection on your roof so others don’t fall. All good. And then v. 13-30 and we enter the truly messy human bits dealing with sex, rape and sexual identity. Stoning is involved. Moses was instructing in how to live lives that did not lead to sorrows. God knows what is best for us if we would just trust Him. He has never lied to us.

In John 8:1-11 the religious leaders were using the law found in Deuteronomy 22:22 to test Jesus but curiously they only brought the woman caught in adultery so she alone could be stoned. Can we appreciate Jesus’s compassion? “Let the one who has not sinned throw the first stone!“ He didn’t condemn her and told her “Go and sin no more.” I so hope they depict that exchange in one of The Chosen episodes!

In The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book 3, And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” Mark 4:30-32.

Putting it together and taking it to God, He reminded me to trust Him. His Kingdom will grow in each person. It’s personal! Stop judging others and look to Him to lead you in His abundant love. Do you trust God? Trust Him to make good every heart. Only He can because only He has the wisdom and infinite love. I can’t love sinners as my Creator God does because I, too, sin. Only Gods love will heal this world and every heart including mine and yours. What a relief! His love is personal. Take His hand and He will gently and patiently lead you without condemning you. One day we will hear the most important words…But now, this is what the Lord says – 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. That wonderful promise extends to all people. Thank You, Lord!