God's Glory Church

“When you reap your harvest in your field, and you forget a sheaf in the field, you do not return to take it – it will be for the stranger, the orphan and the widow.” — Deuteronomy 24:19

Several years ago, our church was asked to take in refugees who were fleeing their country after a violent change in political leadership. Whole families came with only a small bag of belongings. Several families from our church opened their homes to the refugees, including those who had little free space.

Their hospitality reminds us of God’s commandment given to the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land (Deut. 24:19-21). Being farmers, they understood the importance of the harvest, which was necessary to survive until the next year. Therefore, God’s command: “when you reap your harvest in your field, and you forget a sheaf in the field, you do not return to take it, it will be for the stranger, the orphan and the widow” (v. 19), is a call to trust God. The Israelites were to practice generosity, not when they knew they had enough, but when they gave from the heart.

The manifestation of such generosity was also a reminder that the Israelites themselves were slaves in Egypt (vv. 18, 22). They were once oppressed and destitute, but God’s mercy freed them from slavery.

Christians are also called to be generous. The Apostle Paul reminds us: “[Christ], being rich, became poor for your sake, that you might become rich through his poverty” (2 Cor. 8:9). We give because He gave to us.

Did someone help you in times of trouble? How will you help others by relying on God’s provision?

Dear Father, please open my eyes to the needs of the disadvantaged in my community.

Author: Matthew Lucas