Daily Devotion, August 24, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Leviticus 19:9-10.

The biblical principle behind this command given to an agricultural people 3,500 years ago is timeless. The Lord made clear that when His people harvested their own crops, they were to leave the edges or the corners for the poor and the wanderers. His people should ensure that a margin of their harvest was available to those who needed food due to poverty or homelessness. One implication is clear: the Israelite family should be able to live on the main portion of the harvest, without having to cling to the edges of it.

God’s desire is that we thrive beneath our means, if possible, on less than we need financially, physically, emotionally, and time. When we can function on just a portion of our resources, we are joyfully able to contribute to the well-being of others. In all societies, poor people will exist; God wants His people to be part of the provision for them. In the same way, people deficient in hope and those wandering in emotional deserts exist with us always. God’s will is that His people are living in such a way that we can help them. Our loving God wants us to be givers and joyfully share.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help each one of us to give to those who are struggling and less fortunate than we are, realizing that all we have is yours. We should share all that we have, including the love that you show us. Thank you for your son who saved us. Amen.