November 27

The Hands of Truth

Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. Do not go about spreading slander among your people. (Leviticus 19:13, 16).

Scripture: Leviticus 19:13-18

Song: “Honesty”

In 2004, Victor Yushchenko ran for the presidency of Ukraine. He was undeterred despite an attempt to poison him, and by election day he was in the lead. However, the state-run television station, which supported the ruling party, falsely reported his decisive defeat. It never dawned on anyone that the woman in the corner of the screen providing translation for the deaf community would preset the truth. She signed, “I’m addressing all the deaf citizens of Ukraine. They are lying and I’m ashamed to translate those lies. Yushchenko is our president.”

The deaf community spread the word about the fraudulent report and eventually, journalists took up the cause of truth. Within weeks, the “Orange Revolution” occurred as a million people wearing orange made their way to the capital city of Kiev demanding a new election. The new election was held and Victor Yushchenko became president.

Defrauding our neighbor means more than just taking monetary advantage of them. We can defraud by the deception of being less than honest. While the translator for the deaf took a tremendous risk in communicating the truth, she did not want the shame that would have accompanied her silence or compliance with a lie. The laws set forth in Leviticus are guidelines for righteous living that are still valid and relevant for us today. Honesty, fairness, truth, and love are values that transcend time, place, and people groups.

Father, help us to be salt and light by being honest, trustworthy neighbors, citizens and friends. In Jesus’ name, amen.