SCRIPTURE
"If there is a poor person among you, one of your brothers within any of your gates in the land the LORD your God is giving you, you must not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him enough for whatever need he has." (Deuteronomy 15:7-8)
OBSERVATION
God was providing for the poor as the Israelites were preparing to move into the promised land. There would always be poor in the land and that is why he had to give them this command. According to Jesus, the poor are "the least of these." God always has a heart for the defenseless and those in society who cannot provide or fend for themselves. The "haves" can become cynical and jaded toward the "have nots." We can make excuses for why we shouldn't be generous. The Isrealites did. Every seven years they were to forgive each other's debts. Of course people would tend to be less generous in years 5 and 6 because they knew the next year the poor man would have his debt forgiven. Had it all planned out. God called this a wicked thought and when the poor cried out the stingy would be found guilty.
APPLICATION
I need to take seriously the "least of these." It is easy to become cynical of people who have their hand out, but in doing so I risk overlooking people with legitimate needs. To have the heart of God means I look at people with compassion instead of suspicion. Opening not just my heart but my hand to provide for their needs. God's compassion is then expressed in my life.
PRAYER
Lord, how often have I passed up the opportunity you've presented before me to reflect your care and concern for the poor? I want my heart, and my hand, to express your heart and reflect your hand. Amen.
