Daily Devotional for Wednesday, November 16

Provisions for Those in Need

“I work for my money” my buddy scoffed as we were approached by a broken-spirited young man asking for assistance. As we walked away, my friend further griped, “Who does he think he is, trying to take my hard-earned money from me.” There is certainly a healthy pride in knowing you have worked and earned an honest days’ wage for your labor. But my unbelieving friend failed to examine for a split-second whether or not this young man was truly in need. He immediately judged and harshly scorned the young man. 

Living with a spirit of generosity as a response to a generous and loving God should be a normal way of life for Christians. Deuteronomy is a retelling of God’s Law to the children of Israel. Steeped in the heart of God’s laws is the open-handed, open-hearted law of generosity. This passage gives us a principle to live by when we work to provide for our family—leave some for those in need. 

In an agrarian society, the laws of generosity were specific to harvest time. Leave a specific portion of the crops behind for those in need. Then, allow them to come and harvest crops so they can provide food for their families. It would be easy for us to dismiss this teaching since most of us are not farmers by trade in this modern technological economy. Yet, the Old Testament is filled with principles to guide us in how to honor God in every aspect of our life. 

REFLECTION: Nothing you possess is yours to own. We are stewards and managers of God’s blessings. Give wisely, generously, cheerfully and willingly of what God has given you.

Steven Ridings