Scripture:
Deuteronomy 24:19-22 ESV
[19] “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 for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. [20] When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over them again. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. [21] When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not strip it afterward. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. [22] You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this.
Observation:
Farmers in that day did everything by hand there were no tractors or heavy equipment. Sometimes grain would get missed…or did it? GOD has a wonderful way of making sure everyone is going to be able to eat. We can see this in several spots in the bible. In fact the story of Ruth comes to mind. After her husband passed away she stayed with her mother-in-law and gleaned the fields so they could eat. I believe GOD’s point to this is love. HE loves all of HIS people and wants to make sure they are all provided for. The widows the orphans and the travelers. They all knew that there would be something to eat at the edge of the field, on the grapevine, or at the bottom of the olive press. GOD is a provider. I believe that the Israelites were instructed at some point to leave the outer portion of the field for those who would need something to eat.
Application:
Think about how great life would be if we all lived by GOD’s economy. There would not be one person that would suffer from hunger. Or wonder where the next meal was coming from. I know what that’s like, and I am grateful for those who heard GOD speak to their hearts and took their canned food to the churches so that I could eat. You know that’s a form of what this scripture is talking about. GOD is still providing for the less fortunate. HE is just doing it through you now. My take on this is we should always have loose hands, and be cheerful givers. One thing I know is you can’t outgive GOD. So as someone who has wondered how I was going to eat. I thank GOD for the edge of the field that was left for me
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your provision. You have taken care of me when I could not take care of myself. I pray that I will always have a giving heart as a result of those times of need. Knowing that you have always made sure I was provided for. Your love is so absolutely amazing. You have thought of everything and everyone and really all I can do is thank you. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.