 Slaves in Egypt (from book of Exodus)  God led them out through Moses  God showed them miracles (to meet their needs)

 Israel constantly grumbled and doubted God; many rebelled  God disciplined the unfaithful

Dt 32:2-4 Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew,... I will proclaim the name of the LORD. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he TAB:...Isang Dios na tapat at walang kasamaan, Matuwid at banal siya.

 Justice and righteousness related (generally, same word translated in Heb and Grk)  Human justice is limited, but God is the ultimate judge  The standard is God’s character

 Divine retribution (overseen by God) › Punishment – somehow wrongs go back to the wrongdoer › Rewards – somehow goodness goes back to the doer  NOT the same as karma

 God has somehow designed life to have (natural) justice  E.g. Laziness/incompetence on the job can lead your boss to fire you  When you keep mistreating someone, they eventually retaliate or you lose the relationship  Neglecting your health can lead to major (or irreparable) medical concerns  Neglecting home repairs ends up in worse situations  Lack of discipline with money leads to financial problems  Constant fighting of parents brings up insecure or angry children

 Children whose parents stayed married until the children become adults themselves are more likely to imitate them and have stable marriage.  Daughters raised in separation/divorce are twice as likely to have a child outside marriage. Also, children of divorced/separated parents have 50% increased likelihood of health problems.

Gal 6:7-9 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. CEV You cannot fool God, so don't make a fool of yourself! You will harvest what you plant. If you follow your selfish desires, you will harvest destruction, but if you follow the Spirit, you will harvest eternal life. Don't get tired of helping others. You will be rewarded when the time is right, if you don't give up.

VIDEO CLIP “You reap what you sow”

How should we respond?

 Heb 6:10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.  1Pe 2:19 For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.

 The right perspectives brings better feelings than wrong perspectives  Ultimate reward is NOT here; ultimate punishment is NOT here (in the next life)

 Many times, it is our own peace of mind we seek  You may not be able to control others or change others, but you can work on your own heart

 It may surprise you to hear this, but anger is important for stable relationships  Yet unvented or uncontrolled anger is not healthy (emotionally and physically)  The Bible says vengeance is the Lord’s  Remember biblical forgiveness

 Ultimately, God sees all and knows all  God is a both a righteous and loving judge

 Be conscious of God  Remember that this life is not it  Be open about your needs and feelings  Learn to forgive  Keep doing the right thing