ODJ: c.s.i.
September 11, 2009
When you hear about it, investigate the matter thoroughly (v.4).
READ: Deuteronomy 17:2-13
My sister is a crime scene investigator in Singapore. One morning, she was abruptly awakened at 4 a.m. by the incessant ringing of her phone—a murder had occurred! She had just 48 hours to gather sufficient evidence to press charges against the murder suspect being held in police custody. Over the next few days, my sister carefully investigated the gruesome crime.
The first night she came home, she said, “When I close my eyes, I can see blood everywhere.” The second night, she mused, “I see only wounds and lacerations.” The third night, she announced, “I can piece together the crime sequence!”
In some ways, Christians are called to be crime scene investigators too. Take a look at Deuteronomy 17. In verses 2-13, we read twice: “In this way, you will purge the evil from among you” (vv.7,12). These verses highlight the importance of the Israelites investigating and dealing with sin in their community. Sin is so abhorrent to God that it can’t coexist with Him. He is holy, and He expects us to reflect His holiness. Moses, while restating the terms of God’s covenant to the Israelites, told them that the effects of sin should not be allowed to fester in the community. Like a cancer, it had to be diagnosed and eradicated.
They were to “investigate the matter thoroughly” (v.4), however. God didn’t want them to rush to hasty conclusions. There needed to be two or three witnesses involved (v.6). And to safeguard against false allegations, the witnesses had to throw the first stones (v.7). If the life of an innocent person was taken, they would personally bear the guilt.
When believers we know appear to have fallen into sin, we need to carefully investigate the issue. If sin is present, our goal should be to compassionately encourage them to repent before our holy God. —Poh Fang Chia
What should be your response when you see a fellow believer struggling with sin? How have you grown spiritually through the ministry of someone who lovingly pointed out the sin in your life?
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c.s.i..
Hey Poh Fang Chia..
Speaking of C.S.I. i used to be a keen follower of CSI Las Vegas.. my favourite character was Grisham.. jus liked his level of analysis.. nothing escaped his keen senses.. nothing was to ambiguous to pass under the radar.. if it was.. it would defeat the need of having a forensics team.. hi powered toys.. action.. drama.. sirens.. bad guys fleeing from cops.. the whole nine and a bag of chips..
in the book of Acts.. we see a court room drama in session.. picture LA Confidential back in the Roman days.. this was no Boston Legal !!
Acts 24:1-14.. Paul On Trial Before Governor Felix..
Acts 24:1-9.. the Star Witness..
vs 1 Five days later the high priest.. Ananias.. went down to Caesarea with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus.. and they brought their charge against Paul before Governor Felix..
vs 2 When Paul was called in.. Tertullus presented his case before Felix: We enjoyed a long period of peace under you, your foresight has brought reforms in this nation.
vs 3 Everywhere and in every way.. most excellent Felix.. we acknowledge this with profound gratitude..
vs 4 But in order not to weary you further.. i will request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly..
vs 5 We have found this man to be a trouble-maker.. stirring up riots among the Jews all over the world.. He is a ring leader of the Nazarene Sect..
vs 6 and even tried to desecrate the temple; so we seized him..and wanted to examine him according to our law..
vs 8 By examining him yourself.. you will be able to learn the truth about these charges we bring against him..
vs 9 The Jews joined in the accusation.. asserting that these things were true..
Acts 24:10-14.. The Best Defense..
vs 10 When the governor mentioned for him to speak.. Paul replied.. I know for a number of years you have been judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense..
vs 11 You can easily verify that no more than 12 months ago.. i went up to Jerusalem to worship..
vs 12 My accusers did not find me urging with anyone @ the temple.. or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues.. or anywhere else in the city..
vs 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are making against me..
Acts 24:14.. Paul’s Submission..
vs 14 However.. I admit that i worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way which they call a sect.. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets..
Blessings!!