Focus
As you quiet yourself for this brief time be open to God, however that may take place.
Read
Deuteronomy 24:17-25:4 (NRSV)
You shall not deprive a resident alien or an orphan of justice; you shall not take a widow’s garment in pledge. Remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this.
When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be left for the alien, the orphan, and the widow, so that the LORD your God may bless you in all your undertakings. When you beat your olive trees, do not strip what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow.
When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, do not glean what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow. Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I am commanding you to do this.
Suppose two persons have a dispute and enter into litigation, and the judges decide between them, declaring one to be in the right and the other to be in the wrong. If the one in the wrong deserves to be flogged, the judge shall make that person lie down and be beaten in his presence with the number of lashes proportionate to the offense. Forty lashes may be given but not more; if more lashes than these are given, your neighbor will be degraded in your sight.
You shall not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain.
Reflect
In telling the people how they were to treat those who were in need (aliens, widows, and orphans), God reminded the people that they had once been aliens in a foreign land. What would have happened if the people of Egypt had not welcomed Joseph’s father and brothers by offering hospitality when they needed food?
Hospitality was such a necessity in Old Testament times that it was to be offered even to one’s enemy. By telling the Hebrew people how to treat those who were in need, God was also telling them to be hospitable.
Unfortunately, hospitality to strangers (aliens) is becoming a lost art, I am afraid. We largely depend on government agencies to care for those who are homeless, widowed, or orphaned. However, we can and should welcome all people in our churches. One of the leading things that many visitors say keeps them from returning to a church is the coldness of the members and the judgmental stares they get. Instead of being wary, smile and offer a warm welcome. You may be surprised what a difference it can make.
Pray
Loving God, guide me today to seek out ways of being more hospitable. I want to show your love to someone who may not be feeling loved or who is having a bad day. May my kindness reveal your love to them. In the name of the One who fist loved us. Amen.
Serve God by serving others.
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