Addressing Caring for Widows and Orphans

 Addressing Caring for Widows and Orphans

Exodus 22: ²² “You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. ²³ If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry; ²⁴ and My wrath will become hot, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

 

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GOD continued to speak to Moses about how to treat people. This time HE specifically calls out widows and orphans.

 

My Observations:

• GOD shows HIS heart for taking care of people, especially those who are helpless.
• Widows and orphans traditionally were not allowed to have land or inherit anything from the children of Israel.
• GOD stated that HIS wrath would be poured out on those who afflicted the widows and orphans.

 

Caring for people is part of GOD’s nature. HE does not want those who are not allowed to own land to be put to harsh tasks. Afflicted could mean a form of slavery or harsh mistreatment. GOD did not mind widows working, as long as they had their fair chance and were not treated harshly.

 

Orphans who had no land to inherit were to be treated equally when they worked for someone. GOD implied that HE was watching how people treat one another. Bullying people in the workplace does not sit well with GOD. Nor does mistreating widows and orphans, favoring those who would inherit the land.

 

What does this tell us about today? Homeless people are less favored than self-care. Affliction can come in many flavors. Its root is in selfishness and hatred. GOD showed that HIS people were to be kind to those who wanted to work, but were not allowed, or they were treated poorly.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about caring for widows and orphans?
• Has GOD opened your eyes to widows, orphans and homeless people?
• What can you do today to show you care for other people that GOD cares for?

Abundant Deliverance Promised

Abundant Deliverance Promised

Exodus 3: ¹⁶ Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt; ¹⁷ and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.” ’ ¹⁸ Then they will heed your voice; and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt; and you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has met with us; and now, please, let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ ¹⁹ But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. ²⁰ So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go. ²¹ And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. ²² But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

 

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GOD continues to give the words HE wanted Moses to say to the children of Israel. HE told Moses to gather the elders of Israel so they could announce what GOD was about to do.

 

My Observations:

• The elders of Israel passed verbal history down to the generations and knew about what GOD did in Abraham, Isaac and Jacob’s life.
• GOD said that HE saw what the Egyptians did so Moses would convey to the elders that GOD knows what is going on.
• GOD promised that HE not only would cause the Egyptians to want the Hebrews to leave, HE would also cause them to give up all their stuff.

 

One thing I notice is GOD seems very riled up, but was in full control of the situation. HE said exactly what would happen and how the Egyptians would not respond favorably. HE also said how HE was going to handle the situation and what the result would be.

 

GOD did not say the children of Israel had to be better, try harder, pray more, give more or dismiss their pain. In other words, it seems like GOD is saying, “I GOT THIS!” I believe GOD had to speak to the elders to alter the stories being told.

 

Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had remarkable situations that were handed down from generation to generation. BUT GOD was about to do something with this generation. HE still does this with those who believe. HE is still doing a marvelous “wonders” that will not leave HIS people “empty-handed.”

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS prophecy HE wanted to be delivered to the elders of Israel?
• Have you been waiting on GOD’s deliverance for a long time?
• Will you trust that HIS promises to deliver you are solid and you can place full trust in them?

Every prayer is heard

Revelation 8: ³ Then another angel with a gold incense burner came and stood at the altar. And a great amount of incense was given to him to mix with the prayers of God’s people as an offering on the gold altar before the throne. 

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After reading this passage of scripture, it makes me want to change my prayers.  I mean some of my conversations with GOD are full of complaints of how things are not going the way “I” want them to. I wonder if I need to change my perspective on prayer.

• GOD is sovereign which means HE has the highest authority over me and my wishes.
• GOD is all knowing which means HE knows when I am requesting something harmful that I think is innocent.
• GOD is everywhere which means HE knows about the person who wants to harm me as well as those who will provide relief.
• GOD is all powerful which means HE is far more than a wish granter rather HE is a “will” maker.
• GOD is all seeing which means HE sees right through my plans.

My prayers need to praise GOD while petitioning HIM to change the situation. JESUS showed many times that HE was moved by the difficult circumstances humans face. Somehow my prayer translates to faith in the one who can do something about the situation. My prayers should not be wasted on complaints rather they should point to GOD’s majesty.

• How do you speak to GOD?
• Are you treating HIM as a common human or as GOD?
• Can you praise GOD in the middle of your circumstance?

I know how you feel

Revelation 2: ⁹ I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

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My parents had given me five dollars to go to the amusement park. Somewhere between here and there I lost my money. I cried and cried because my possibilities of having a fun day turned out to be disastrous.

Now as I look back on this incident I find it humorous. I mean I have traveled to other countries and have seen people who wonder where their next meal is going to come from. How in the world can the poor be rich?

• When I think I am poor I am usually blinded by my ambitions rather than GOD’s blessings.
• When I think I am afflicted I am focused on the ailment or the wound rather than GOD’s sovereignty.
• When I think I am finished I have given up too quickly because my faith in GOD has waned.

There are some situations that are more difficult than others but each time I look back on them I realize GOD was there watching over me. I can’t lie and say I felt this way during the trial, but after I have gone through it I felt stronger.

• GOD says “I know your afflictions” so HE knows when my body is sick or hurt.
• GOD says “I know your poverty” so HE knows when I worry about finances.
• GOD says “Yet you are rich!” so HIS view of being rich is thoroughly different than mine.

Being “rich” is having a large “bank account” of people. The more people I help, the larger my account grows. My account grows even larger when I can help others praise GOD even when I am going through a very tumultuous time. GOD says “I know” which means HE has understands the trial is difficult but HE has it in control and will not let it destroy my soul.

GOD’s plan is sovereign and full of love. Though trials appear my faith in GOD grows.

• Are you facing a trial?
• Are you feeling nervous about your finances?
• Do you believe GOD knows what you are going through?
• Can you stop listening to what “they” are saying about you and focus on how GOD made you perfect for HIS purpose?