Economic Life (18) Final Comments

The instructions for economic life provided economic security for everyone in society, without the need for a government or king. Economic strength was based in local communities.

The Torah promising great blessings for people who respect and obey these instructions. This blessing is not something magical/spiritual. The blessing comes because communities are stronger and more productive.

Modern politicians love to lecture the poor and tell them what to do. Most of the instructions for economic life are directed to people who are more prosperous. It is their response to God’s guidance that transforms community and liberates the poor and weak.

The motivations for acting on these instructions must be love: love of God and love of neighbour. If it is just a list of rules then the instructions will become a burden. We should see them as illustration of how life will change, if we get serious about loving one another and loving our neighbour.

In my next series of posts, I will look at the way Jesus interpreted and applied these instructions for economic life. He put a twist on some to make them relevant in a new situation.

This full series can be found at Instructions for Economic Life.