There should be no poor among you (NIV 1984,
Deuteronomy 15:4).
As noted earlier, our nation’s capital is full of homeless
people. They make their beds at Union Station and near the White House (both
obviously major tourist destinations). Every once in awhile, especially before
a significant event, the Capital Police will push the poor out of these more
visible locations, and relocate them elsewhere. After all, it doesn’t look good
for the most prosperous nation in the world to have street people huddled
beneath dirty blankets in front of tourists and TV cameras.
Chapter 15 speaks about the Sabbath year for cancelling
debts. There should be no poor among you. It’s not the poor this
passage is aimed at, but those with plenty. Deuteronomy does not blame the
have-nots for their lot in life. It charges those with much to care for those
with little. Do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather be
openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need (Deuteronomy 15:7,8).
Why are so many Christians quick to quote Paul: The one
who is unwilling to work shall not eat
(2 Thessalonians 3:10), but slow to quote Jesus: Whatever you did not
do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me (Matthew 25:45)?
This section reminds me of Proverbs 19:17. If you help
the poor, you are lending to the Lord – and he will repay you! (NLT).
TODAY’S MEDITATION
How can you connect with the
poor, and share with them from the blessings God has given you?
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