Date: Tuesday, 26th March, 2024
Text: Exodus 22:21-4
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
It is common for the vulnerable in any society to be neglected. In many cases the poor, the orphans, fatherless, widows are even oppressed. Children are easily taken advantage of, so are strangers, asylum seekers and even the sick.
However, God identifies closely with the helpless, the weak and the vulnerable. The word of God says, “Do not remove the ancient landmark, nor enter the fields of the fatherless; for their Redeemer is mighty; He will plead their cause against you.” Proverbs 23:10-11
God is called the defender of widows and the father of the fatherless- Psalm 68:5. He said in his word, “You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict them in any way, and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry; and My wrath will become hot, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless.” “You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him…”Exodus 22:22-24; 21a
Employers of labour are commanded by the word of God not to delay their employees’ salaries or wages. Such wages or salaries cry out to God against the employers- James 5:4. Show love to the disadvantaged; don’t curse the deaf (because he cannot hear) nor put a stumbling block before the blind (because he cannot see)- Leviticus 19:14
Children are specially loved by God and they are protected by a special category of angels who work closely with God and even see his face- a privilege not enjoyed by all angels. That shows you that God specially cares for children and any hurt done against them is taken very seriously- Matthew 18:10.
Action Nugget: Show love to all those who seem to be weak, helpless, defenseless or less privileged. And you will be specially blessed by the Lord.