March 19, 2017. Deuteronomy 24-27.

 

We begin chapter 24 with Moses reminding and restating the covenant duties to God’s people. Remember that Moses is speaking, but he’s representing God with his words. 

His reminders:

Laws of Family 

Laws of Life

Laws of Justice

Laws of Charity

Do you see the concern and protection for the rights of those who could be subject to oppression? Note that these things were not just a passing thought, or a light conversation, but actual commands given.

Deuteronomy 24: 17-22 says….

“You shall not pervert the justice due a stranger or an orphan, nor seize (impound) a widow’s garment as security (for a loan). But you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and the LORD your God redeemed you from there; therefore I am commanding you to do this thing. When you reap your harvest in your field and have forgotten a sheaf (of grain) in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, for the orphan (the fatherless), and for the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat (the olives off of) your olive tree, do not search through the branches again; (whatever is left) shall be for the stranger, for the orphan, and for the widow. When you gather grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it afterward; it shall be for the stranger, for the orphan, and for the widow. You shall (thoughtfully) remember (the fact) that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I am commanding you to do this thing.

The people were under oppression by Pharaoh, and as a nation were to show kindness and mercy to those in need. This allowed the needy to not have to borrow or beg from others. 

Don’t you love the picture of humanitarianism here, as God’s special protection plan? God is a father to the fatherless and the judge and protector for the widow, and loves the stranger/foreigner. (Psalm 68:5) 

Just like a loving father, the LORD so wants to bless you for the work of your hands and heart! 

When we choose to:

• Remember where we came from.
• Share what has been given to us.
• Show diligence in our work and love to others.
• Become an advocate for those who need one.

We can become part of God’s promises to lift up the down-trodden and to bring satisfaction to those in need.

Will you choose to look beyond yourself to see the hurts and needs of others? We only need to stop and listen, as the Lord places people and moments in our day…...