Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Remember the Little Ones
Deuteronomy 15: 7-11
 
Instead, you must be sure to open your hand to him and
generously lend him whatever he needs.

The book of Deuteronomy was authored by Moses who was appointed by God to fulfill the divine role of lawgiver for Israel. This is evident throughout many passages within the book. In Deuteronomy 18:15-19 we see examples of Moses having the same qualities of the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ. When we focus on the passage for today’s devotion, we see the concept of giving sufficiently to others who are in need.
In the 1970’s early 1980’s there was an influx of Indian immigrants who came to the United States seeking greater opportunities and a better life for their children. I was a product of that process as my parents were able to come with my mom’s nursing license and her sister supporting her move. Growing up, I saw the sacrificial support of many Indian families offering their homes, giving cars, supporting education…you name it. Most times it wasn’t even to direct relatives. It was a collective part of our people emulating Jesus Christ and His nature of love, care, and commitment.
In those times, I never saw our people portraying actions found in verse 9. “Be careful lest you entertain the wicked thought that the seventh year, the year of cancellation of debts, has almost arrived, and your attitude be wrong toward your impoverished fellow Israelite, and you not lend him anything.” Actions were with a contrite heart and resembled verse 10 & 11. “You must by all means lend to him and not be upset by doing it, for because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you attempt. There will never cease to be some poor people in the land; therefore, I am commanding you to make sure you open your hand to your fellow Israelites who are needy and poor in your land.”
When we consider the growth of our Mar Thoma Church and how much we have excelled in this country, it is because of the nature of our founders that we were able to experience such blessings. Our church was built on giving to those in need. This was always through time, money, and service. Can we say the same now? Do we (as it says in verse 8) consistently open our hands to others and lend sufficiently? Have we passed on this nature we learned from our parents to our children? Have we trained them to uphold these qualities which Moses taught, and we have witnessed through the life of Jesus Christ? Are our children upholding a giving nature through our church and its service to people?
My mother, “Mrs. Aleyamma Mathew” passed away last summer and today would have been her birthday. Although she is gone in the physical form, her presence is with me always. I learned giving without ceasing from her. I learned serving for the benefit of others from her. I am sure each of you has someone who has taught you these things. Let’s embrace Gods calling of giving to the needy and pass it on to others for the building up of His Kingdom.
 
Prayer
Dear Jesus, we thank you for the many blessings you have provided. We thank you for our parents and the founders of our Mar Thoma community. Help us to embrace the gift of giving and be sure that our hearts are true to this command from you. Help us grow in this experience and encourage others to uphold this quality. Please forgive us of our sins. We thank you and love you. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
 
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Don’t forget who you are and where you came from. God gave His Son to die for us so that we have a way to salvation. The least we can do is to give our time, money, and service to help His people and fulfill the building up of His Kingdom.


Bobby Mathew
Dallas Sehion Mar Thoma Church, Texas

        

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