And the word of the LORD came to Zechariah: This is what the LORD Almighty says: Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts do not think evil of each other. Zechariah 7: 8-10, NIV.
Merciful God, today as we enter the study of Your Word, we ask that Your Holy Spirit will reveal to us, how we should treat those who are less fortunate. In the name of Jesus we humbly pray. Amen.
We have just concluded a series of devotionals under the title, “Taking Care of Our Relationships,” as it applied, primarily, to spouses. Today, under this same title, we will dedicate some time to talk about some special members of our society, and what, according to Scripture, should be our relationship to them. Throughout the Bible they are mentioned, repeatedly. I believe, that this is due to how important they are to God, and, to call our attention to what the LORD requires of us, in our dealings with them. They are mentioned in our Scripture for today: widows, fatherless (orphans), aliens (immigrants), and, the poor. I borrowed the title, “The Least of These,” from Jesus’ parable of “The Sheep and The Goats” (Matthew 25: 31-46), to designate them. What is of greatest importance, is the fact that Jesus identifies with these groups ” . . . you have done it unto Me!” He takes the way we treat them, personal. This matter is so crucial, that He has classified the world as, “sheep and goats; depending on how we treat them.
They exist in just about every society. Exist is what many of them do. They really do not have a life! In some societies they are more visible than in others. Unfortunately, more often than not, they are marginalized. This is not a small issue in the sight of the LORD. He has some mighty strong words to say to those who have dealt unjustly with members of these groups: “Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths, and convocations- I cannot bear your evil assemblies. Your New Moon festivals and appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1: 13-17, NIV). That is pretty strong language! I believe, that in God’s sight, injustice is intolerable.
Following are some of God’s admonitions to Israel of old. No less is expected of us. We are Abraham’s seed, by faith.
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him (her) food and clothing. And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10: 18, 19). Remember your beginnings, America!
“If there is a poor man (woman) among your brothers (sisters) in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother (sister). Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: ‘The seventh year, the year for cancelling debts is near,’ so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother (sister) and give him (her) nothing. He (she) may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. Give generously to him (her) and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers (sisters) and toward the poor and needy in your land” (Deuteronomy 15: 7-11).
“America, especially, Christians in America, ‘God is monitoring our relationship with, “The Least of These!”