One of my pet peeves is politicians misusing Scripture. I don’t care what letter they have after their name or what their political persuasion is. Here the topic is usury in the Bible as it relates to U.S. interest rates. (Relating these two things is a stretch anyway, since the biblical text’s statements about usury were between individuals, but here we go.)
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/alexandria-ocasio-cortez-religious-right_n_5cde4ba3e4b00e035b8d3c38
usury
Deuteronomy 4:31 (For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.
These words were spoken by Moses to the children of Israel. They communicate one general fact and three facts which are specific to the nation of Israel.
The general fact is that God is merciful. This is true for the Jews and the Gentiles. Regardless of who you are, God is merciful. Continue reading
Psalm 34:4 I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Fear is a part of life. Some fears are minimal, but others can be debilitating. Regardless, when fear comes upon us, we should seek the Lord. The Hebrew word translated “sought” has a range of meanings including “resort to”, “enquire of”, “consult with”, and “seek with care”. These meanings convey dependence upon God rather than ourselves. It is saying, “I need help.” Continue reading
Isaiah 40:18 To whom then will ye liken God? or what likeness will ye compare unto him?
This simple verse communicates a profound truth by way of a rhetorical question. Nobody can be compared to God. He is unique in His essence, quality, and character. He is the Creator and He is transcendent from His creation. Continue reading
When the Lord brought the children of Israel to the Promised Land, Moses reminded them of their commitments to Him before they crossed over to inhabit the land. The Israelites had agreed to keep the Lord’s commandments and reaffirmed that promise.
Deuteronomy 5:27 Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear it, and do it.
The Lord, Who knew their hearts, expressed His desire that they would indeed have a heart for Him to do all that they had committed.
Deuteronomy 5:29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
God knew that His way was best. His desire was that the Israelites experience the best He had to offer (“that it might be well with them”). The blessings they could experience would pass on to their posterity as well (“and with their children for ever”). However, He knew that their heart was not in the right place. As history shows, they would disobey Him and receive just recompense for their sin.
The same is true with us. God created life and He knows how life is best lived. Why do we not trust Him in this? God loves us as a parent loves his child. He wants the best for us, but like wayward children, we all to often refuse to give up our own selfish desires. We need to have a heart for God and obey Him. Then we can expect His blessing upon our lives.