Today’s Devotional Theme
To the Fatherless and Widows
Daily Scripture
Psalm 68:5-6 (HCSB)
"God in His holy dwelling is a father of the fatherless and a chapion of widows. God provides a home for those who are deserted."
Encouragement
The truth is that God specializes in the outcasts of society. Jesus gave a great example of this in the parable of the Good Samaritan (see Luke 10:25-37). Another great example is the command to care for widows and orphans, found in James chapter one, and the overall way God has chosen those to represent Him whom society would deem inappropriate. I do not have the answer to world hunger, homelessness or why certain members of our society are treated so unfairly. But God has a special place in His heart for such as these and longs to be there for them as their Father and Champion. Both Testaments speak to the command to take care of the less fortunate. Unfortunately people do not always follow God's commands. But we can, because Jesus, in the Great Commission, sent us out to be His representatives here on earth. We can choose today to allow the Holy Spirit to work through us so that the less fortunate are taken care of.
Apply God’s Word
Yes there are people who take advantage of the system, looking for handouts, thus making life difficult for those who really are less fortunate. But then there are those who are really in need, and we all know someone. Begin there with that person. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you those who are in need. Perhaps there is someone who needs someone to mentor them in the faith as a sort of spiritual father or mother. That is one way God works through His people. In the Old Testament, a foreigner, orphan, widow, etc. could find a type of solace amongst God's chosen people, Israel. That is, when they were acting right. Seek to be a blessing to those in need, no matter what that need may be.
Come into His Presence
Heavenly Father, give me Your wisdom on how to be the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth. Show me how to be there for my fellow man the way You have always been there for me. Show me how to take care of the less fortunate, even if, as in the case of the Good Samaritan, it is for someone I would consider to be an outcast. In Jesus' name, amen.
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