And if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. (Leviticus 12:8 ESV)
Fairness
Justice and fairness are often opposites and enemies. Last week, I was trying once more to undo some damage done during an identity theft incident. I was attempting to speak to a representative of the business that has been being difficult. It actually seemed like I was making progress! But then the clerk asked to speak to DeAnne… because her name is also on the account. DeAnne was not available, and suddenly the almost-successful avenue was roadblocked.
I understood the justice. It, sort of, was protecting me. But it was not fair.
The letter of the law, which justice sometimes demands, does not take individual circumstances into account.
But here we see that God, the Master of Justice, also allows for circumstantial awareness.
The woman in question owes God a lamb, sacrificed in Jerusalem. We might expect that to be the end of the matter.
But God is also kind, understanding, and fair. And so He offers her a more affordable option. Turtledoves and pigeons are much cheaper than lambs.
While adhering to justice, regarding His people, (His through the sacrificial purchase of His Son) God is also gracious and merciful.
God is just… but He is also fair… unlike us, sometimes.
We are peculiar, we are treated justly and fairly by God.