Deuteronomy 15:1-15
Monday, 01 April 2024
“You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you” -Deuteronomy 15:15
God never wanted His people to forget who they once were, and who brought them out of Egypt. He reminded His people this fact very often so that they would not act wickedly to their fellow brethren.
As believers in Christ Jesus, we are expected to behave in the same manner. As people redeemed from the bondage of sin, we are called to display God’s mercy and love though our living and giving.
There are three spiritual principles we should follow from today’s reading that will show the world that we are a people separated for the Lord.
I. To release – (V.2) Here the law requires not to expect back what was lent to a fellow brother: meaning all debts were cancelled after every seven years. This is with regards to money. This passage may not apply to modern industrial society, but the principle is still to be upheld. Jesus uses this principle to drive home another important aspect in Matthew 18:21-35. He talks about another release we are called to give our fellow brethren in Christ –“forgiveness from the wrongs he/she has done against us.” Explaining the story of the unmerciful servant to the disciples, Jesus tells us that we are required to forgive someone who has wronged us, 70 times 7. Not just 7 times but innumerable times. Maybe nobody owes you any money. But does someone need a release from your unforgiveness?
Today is that day. So go do likewise.
II. To open – (Vs.7&8) Very often as believers we are tight-fisted. The need around us may be much. Yet the Lord expects us to give the ones in need to the best of our ability: for it is more blessed to give than to receive. Verses 7 & 9 talk about 3 attitudes seen in someone who is a “poor giver”
A hardened heart – This is an unregenerate heart that hasn’t received the grace of God.
Shut hand – This is a life that does not acknowledge that all that he/she possesses are not really theirs but God’s.
Wicked thoughts – Flows out of a wicked heart that is desperately sick (Jeremiah 17:9 )
But Jesus very clearly lays down the method of giving that each and every believer must follow in Matthew 6:1-4. Our giving must be done
i) to the Lord ii) in secret iii) expecting no accolades from men
One couple who failed this test was Annanias & Sapphira. They wanted to make a “big deal” of their giving. But their wrong attitude cost them their lives. Which attitude is ours?
III. To Supply (Vs.12-15): The last group of people to be blessed are the servants. The modern day “servants” can be equated to our missionaries who have given up everything to go and serve the Lord wherever He leads them to.
This is where the church steps in to help! Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:8 [NLT] says “I “robbed” other churches by accepting their contributions so I could serve you at no cost.” Paul did not take anything for himself but used the money so that the Corinthian church would hear the gospel. Shouldn’t we the church understand this today? How can missions take place if we don’t support and supply liberally towards the extension of the Kingdom of God?
Can we pray asking God to give us open hearts and hands to bless our fellow believers in need?
Quote for the Day: “Freely you have received; freely give.” Matthew 10:8
Listen: 'The Giving Song'