SCRIPTURE
"Thus says the Lord, 'Do justice and righteousness, and deliver the one who has been robbed from the power of his oppressor. Also do not mistreat or do violence to the stranger, the orphan, or the widow; and do not shed innocent blood in this place" (Jeremiah 22:3)
OBSERVATION
God has a heart for the most vulnerable in society. He is always concerned about those who cannot care for themselves. In the Bible the three He mentions again and again are the orphan, the widow, and the stranger. Those who were dependant on others for survival...especially in the Old Testament, those who did not have a permanent position in society. They were without a home but that did not mean they were to be homeless. God places the responsibility to care for the "least of these" on His people. His heart is for the weak and poor.
APPLICATION
For my heart to become more like God's I need to develop a care and concern for those who are the most vulnerable in our society. James calls it "pure and undefiled religion" (Js. 1:27). What a great opportunity I have as part of the church, the community of faith, to provide a home for those who are disenfranchised and disconnected from society. I need to have a concern for those whom God is concerned about. We live in a world that can seem unjust and unfair but I can be part of the solution by bringing justice for those who have no voice...by being a champion for the "least of these."
PRAYER
Lord, your concern for people, especially those who are weak, shows me of your great love and concern for people, regardless of who they are. Give me a heart like yours. Help me to be attentive to those who do not have a "home," those who need to experience your love. Amen.
