Laws or lawyers: which system do you prefer? A legal system, like the U.S. constitution, which is founded on the primacy of law over the lawyer prevents a system of mere “might makes right”. The Law of Moses is the same kind. Judges are required to hold up the law and seek justice for all. At the same time all the people are required to obey the law. Today on TBT let’s hear from Joe Fitch, who wrote about this in PLAIN TALK magazine in June 1982.

In an article entitled Handling Accusations, Joe points out how the presence of an accusation imposes duties on the one making the accusation, the one being accused, and those hearing the case. First and foremost is a duty to seek justice. He pointed out how a witness has a duty to justice and cannot ignore evil (Leviticus 5:1). He must do the right thing and address the sin, or become a sinner himself by letting it go. The accuser has to provide sufficient evidence or accept the possibility of a stalemate where God has the final say (Deuteronomy 19:15). He must also seek to restore the accused, which is the ultimate goal. And, must stand ready to be corrected if he is wrong.

The accused also has necessary duties. If he sinned, the accused must repent humbly and do what is right. If the accusation is false he must confront the accuser and demand proof. He must clear himself and expose the lie. The accusation must not be ignored. His second duty is to the false accuser. He must accuse him of his sin and seek to restore him (Matthew. 18:15ff).

Finally the hearers (the jury) have an incredible responsibility to listen carefully to understand the accusation and demand evidence. Justice demands it. If proven the accused must be corrected and, hopefully, restored. If it is unproved and untrue, the hearer must rebuke the false accuser. Law and justice demand a serious commitment from everyone of us.