What Does the Lord Require of You?

I have to make a confession that might change everyone’s entire view of me. This might come as a shock, so you’d better be sitting down when reading what I am about to reveal. I have not, until recent years, been much of a history enthusiast. As a student, I typically learned what I needed to in order to receive the best grade possible. I never saw much value in studying what my forefathers had accomplished in times of yore. Beyond becoming a champion on Jeopardy or having bragging rights as a master of Trivial Pursuit, I didn’t fully comprehend the purpose of spending my present committed to understanding my past. It is only in recent times that I have begun to discover that a deeper understanding of how to live today comes from knowing how we lived yesterday.
I typically only refer to economics when complaining about the current price of gasoline or when discussing the current economic problems of out fine state. The economy of first century Palestine gives further insight in to the coming and life of Jesus. The economy of first century Israel consisted of three segments: agriculture (olives, figs, dates, grains, and vineyards), trade, and large building projects sponsored by King Herod. Many public works were commissioned. There was a large distinction between the poor and the rich with the upper class being made up of temple priests and priestly aristocracy. The middle class consisted of traders, merchants, artisans, sages, scribes, and teachers. The lower class was laborers and those unemployable due to disability.
The Roman government taxed its people heavily. The Jews were also to give sacrifices to the temple. The temple courtyards had become a marketplace, turning sacrifice in to a profitable industry. Hebrews 8:3-13 tells us that Jesus is a superior sacrifice. Jesus’ sacrifice transcends all economic classes. In return, God does not ask us to simply give up a portion of our money and build monuments. He asks us to “do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly” with Him (Micah 6:6-8).