Topic: Our God Cares [Thursday August 17, 2017]
Text: Exodus 23:1-13
Key Verse: “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment” (Exodus 23:2).
When God told Moses to write a song (Deuteronomy 32), it was to remind the children of Israel how much He loved and cared for them. That song shows the deep affection God has for His people and His great desire for them to obey Him and prosper. He said, “O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end! How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the LORD had shut them up?” The same God cares about the inter-personal relationships among His people.
They must avoid bearing false witness, following the multitude to do evil, discriminating against the poor by way of denying him justice or abandoning a straying animal belonging to an enemy. They must not accept bribes, nor kill an innocent person nor ill-treat strangers. The climax of it is that the seventh year produce must be left for the poor, the widows and other less privileged persons. Israelites also must avoid idol worship; they must rest on the seventh day, being the Sabbath, and be refreshed. What a caring God we have! Even slaves and animals are included in God’s plan.
This brings a big challenge to the Christian today, to care for others. Every gift God gives – wealth, wisdom, skill, education, strength etc. – is meant to be used to uplift others. Our Lord Jesus Christ made it clear that this will be a requirement for entering into heaven. Whatever we possess in this world comes from the Lord, for the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. How can we, recipients of grace, shut the bowels of mercy from the needy? Our lives must touch others in more than a telling manner.
Thought for the day: True Christians care as God does.
Bible Reading in one Year: Jeremiah 36-38
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
