OPEN-HANDED HELP

OPEN-HANDED HELP

READ:
Deuteronomy 15:7-11

You shall open your hand wide to
[the poor].  -Deuteronomy 15:8

A homeless man spends time in our local library.  One afternoon, while I was writing there, I took a lunch break.  After I finished the first half of a turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich, an image of the man's face came to mind.  A few minutes later, I offered him the untouched part of my lunch.  He accepted.

This brief encounter made me realize that with all that God has given me, I needed to do more to help those who are less fortunate.  Later, as I thought about this, I read Moses' instructions on providing for the poor.  He told the Israelites:  Do not "shut your hand from your poor brother, but...open your hand wide to him" (Deuteronomy 15:7-8).    An open hand symbolizes the way God wanted His nation to provide for impoverished people-willingly and freely.  No excuses, no holding back (v.9).  God had given to them, and He wanted them to give generously enough to supply whatever was "sufficient" for the need (v.8).

When we offer open-handed help to the poor, God blesses us for our kindness (Psalm 41:1-3; Proverbs 19:17).  With His leading, consider how you might "extend your soul to the hungry" (Isaiah 58:10) and freely give to help others in Jesus' name. - Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Grant us, then, the grace for giving
With a spirit large and free,
That our life and all our living
We may consecrate to Thee. -Murray
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You may give without loving,
but you can't love without giving.

INSIGHT
The word Deuteronomy means "second law."  This book repeats, in large measure, the laws of Leviticus and was given to the Israelites as they were about to enter the Promised Land.  The Hebrew title is Devarim, literally translated "words," and is taken from the first verse of the book:  "These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel."  However, Deuteronomy is more than just a restating of the law.  It contains Moses' final words to the people of Israel as they begin the challenge of settling the land.

Have a blessed day and week ahead.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace