In our Pentateuch reading program, we took a break after Exodus 20 to read the Gospel of Matthew. Now we’re back to Exodus, and it’s an abrupt transition, right into rules about slavery. Not that uplifting on the face of it, and it causes some to question their faith.

Let me share my meditations from that reading…as well as my “alternate” reading, going through the Gospel of Mark. Remember, I suggested that you might read through Mark’s Gospel, one story at a time, when your Pentateuch reading doesn’t lend itself to meditation. (Others have suggested reading a Psalm – whatever works for you!)

So what do we learn from Exodus 21.1 – 32? My takeaway was that slaves have rights. There were limits on what slaveowners could do. In addition, shockingly, female slaves had rights to the point that they had to be set free if those rights were violated.

If he designates her for his son, he shall deal with her as with a daughter. If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, or her marital rights. And if he does not do these three things for her, she shall go out for nothing, without payment of money. (Exodus 21.9 – 11, ESV)

The slavery guidelines are harsh by today’s standards, no doubt, but they were way ahead of their time.

Another thing to remember, in any event, as Andy Stanley says, you wouldn’t want to have to figure out how to apply many Old Testament commands! Different time. Different rules. We are in a new time and have new rules: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” “A new commandment I give you that you love one another.”

From Exodus 21, I went to Mark 1.14 – 28. It opens this way:

The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. (Mark 1.15, LSB)

• The time is fulfilled
• The kingdom of God is at hand
• Repent
• Believe

Jesus has a ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing (see Matthew 4.23), but he has an equally important ministry of training followers to do the same:

As He was going along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the boat mending the nets. And immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and went away to follow Him. (Mark 1.16 – 20, LSB)

And “the same” included calling and training men! “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”

And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. (2 Timothy 2.2, NIV)