Day 114...Laws about possessions of others...Prince of Peace or Division?"

The reading today contains various laws about respecting lost possessions. There is great civility and even "neighborly" teaching of returning possessions, such as lost livestock, to the rightful owner. There are also strict teachings about virginity, divorce, marriage, and even wearing clothing. Some of the violations such as rape ends in death. The 114th Psalm teaches to even tremble in the presence of the Lord because of His awesome power..."Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turns the rock into a pool of water,the flint into a spring of water." Jesus teaches a parable about being prepared for when the Son of Man arrives. We do not know the day or hour. One of my favorite teachings appears in this parable..."Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more." The more God blesses us the more that is required of us! Jesus is the "Prince of Peace" but He also causes division in Luke's teaching..."Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. " Jesus does bring peace to those who abide in Him. This division is caused by those who rebel against God. This text perhaps also provides insight to the divisions, wars, and strife in the name of world religions today.