ESOCS Devotional 18 December 2022
TEXT: DEUTERONOMY 15:1-11
MEMORY VERSE: “For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.” Deuteronomy 15:11
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
In Mark 14:7, our Lord Jesus said, “For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you wish you may do them good; but me you do not have always.” It is not God’s intention that there should be people that are marked out for poverty among humanity. However, in His omniscience He knew that there would be circumstances that would make some people poor. Such circumstances may be created by them or others within the system of things. One of such situations is disobedience to the word of God or neglecting the principles that lead to the creation of wealth or prosperity, either by the individual or societies across the world. Ecclesiastes 10:8 says, “He who digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever breaks through a wall will be bitten by a serpent.” When we live our lives in disobedience to God’s word or commandment, it is like digging a pit of poverty or other evil or negative consequences for ourselves. The reason is that God hates disobedience and does not bless anyone who is like that; rather, He punishes disobedience. Also, the things we do either activate His blessings and good will towards us or His indignation.
Nevertheless, whatever may be reason our brothers or sisters or friends or neighbours are poor, we are not to turn our help away from them. It is not our place to judge them or try to find out the reason they are poor. We are commanded to open our hands wide and meet their needs as much as we are able. We should try and be charitable towards them; and when we give, let us give generously; and not sparingly or grudgingly. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Also, 2 Corinthians 9:6 tells us that “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
God expects us to exercise the feelings of compassion, tenderness, mercy, and the willingness to help people in time of need; and to show them understanding, love, and benevolence. If we refuse or fail to be kind-hearted towards others, we would offend God. But the Scripture says, “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given” (Prov. 19:17). In other words, when we do good deeds to the poor God becomes our debtor and we become His creditors! We are making investments in heaven. They will bring good harvests.
As much as we can, let us show kindness to others. Proverbs 19:22 says, “What is desired in a man is kindness …” It is part our duties before God. It is a virtue He expects to see in us. It is one of His many attributes, which we are expected to have in us because He made us in His likeness (Gen. 1:26). Let us be known for kindness wherever we go; and let us not forget that we workers in the vineyard for Jesus.
CHALLENGES
- How many people have been able to change their life standard to the glory of God?
- In what ways do you think you can positively influence the life of others?
PRAYERS
- Pray that God will bless you abundantly so that you will be a blessing to others in need.
- Pray that God should give you the heart to give good gifts to people.
Read Yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
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ESOCS Devotional 18 December 2022
