Restitution 1

Memory Verse: …  ” No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God – Micah 6:8 (NLT).

Text: Genesis 33:1-11

Spiritual Emphasis: Restitution is commanded by God to enable us follow peace with all men. It is an act of putting right what has been done wrongly. God is a just God and He expects justice from everyone (Jeremiah 22:3). In this series, we shall consider what restitution is and its blessings. 

      The Concept of Restitution in the Old and New Testament

• Old Testament: In the Old Testament, the Israelites were under the Law, which specified restitution in a variety of circumstances. There are other situations in which stolen property is restored, plus one fifth of the value. Also of note, the restitution was made to the owner of the property (not to the government or any other third party), and the compensation was to be accompanied by a guilt offering to the Lord. The Mosaic Law, then, protected victims of theft, extortion, fraud, and negligence by requiring the offending parties to make restitution – Exodus 22:1-15; Leviticus 6:1-5; 

• New Testament: In the New Testament, we have the wonderful example of Zacchaeus. From Zacchaeus’s words, we gather that 1) he had been guilty of defrauding people, 2) he was remorseful over his past actions, and 3) he was committed to making restitution. From Jesus’ words, we understand that 1) Zacchaeus was saved that day and his sin was forgiven, and 2) the evidence of his salvation was both his public confession  and his relinquishing of all ill-gotten gains. Zacchaeus repented, and his sincerity was evident in his immediate desire to make restitution. Here was a man who was penitent and contrite, and the proof of his faith in Christ was his resolve to atone, as much as possible, for past sins – Luke 19:1-10; Romans 10:10; Acts 24:16.

Questions/Activities: Is restitution necessary for salvation?

Conclusion. Do you have any restitution to make? Pray to God for help and take the right steps. The Holy Spirit will help you – Shalom!

Self-Study: Exodus 22:1-31; Luke 19:1-10; Romans 12:19; Romans 13:4; Numbers 5:6-7; Leviticus 6:1-7; Proverbs 6:31; 1 John 1:9;  Acts 3:19; Joel 2:25; Galatians 6:1; Matthew 5:19; John 14:26; Leviticus 5:15.