Life for Life

“Now these are the judgments which thou shalt set before them… If any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life” (Exodus 21:1,23).  “I remembered Thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself” (Psalm 119:52).  “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country” (Proverbs 25:25).  “For ye are… come unto Mount Zion… and to Jesus the Mediator of the New Covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel” (Hebrews 12:18-24). 

The judgments of the Lord decree,

When mischief follows among men,

There is no partiality:

A life for life is given then.

The Lord examines us within: 

His Law has surely found us out!

Our God has thus exposed our sin

With clarity that leaves no doubt. 

The Lord gives us a true report,

Declaring death to be our wages,

For all have sinned and thus come short

Of God’s great standard through the ages. 

God’s holy standard still abides,

Yet gives the comfort that we need: 

Within the Law our Lord provides

The truth that makes us free indeed. 

For animals then sacrificed,

With blood shed by the Law’s direction,

Were shadows cast of Jesus Christ,

The Substance of the Law’s reflection. 

As waters to a thirsty soul,

This Gospel comes to quench our thirst! 

The blood of Christ redeems in full

His people who by sin were cursed! 

The Lord has thus become the Fountain

Of Living Waters springing up;

He lifts us up to Zion’s Mountain

To worship as with Him we sup. 

The blood of Abel once had cried,

Indicting thus his brother Cain,  

But by Christ’s blood we’re justified,

For to this end our Lord was slain! 

O Lord our God, our great Creator,

You’ve added this to all Your praise: 

That You are now the Mediator

For each repentant soul who prays!  

We thank You, Lord, for this good news:

Your LIFE for LIFE imparts Your grace!

We pray that more will wisely choose

To humbly turn and seek Your face.