Our Scripture meditation is based on Leviticus 19:9-10, the start of next week’s Old Testament Reading
[9] “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. [10] And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.
These instructions were given to the Israelite’s not long after God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. It is important for us to keep God’s deliverance of Israel connected with this requirement.
At times I wonder just how this instruction impacted the Israelites. They were just delivered from slavery. From the base of Mount Sinai, they could see a wilderness stretching out to the horizon. And yet the Lord is speaking of a future where they own fields and harvest their own grain!
I think it’s safe to say that most readers of this devotion are likewise blessed by God. We have the capacity to share with others who have greater need. My question is whether our deliverance is as closely connected to these acts of generosity as the Israelite’s connection to their deliverance.
There were times in the history of Christianity when the “Social Gospel” took pre-eminence over “Gospel of Jesus.” Entire swaths of Christianity exchange being saved by grace through faith in Jesus with being saved by providing for less fortunately neighbors. One way to avoid slipping into the unbiblical understanding of the faith is to learn from the Israelite’s at Mt. Sinai.
God delivered us individually from sin and eternal judgement when we were brought to faith in Christ. When we remain grounded in our baptisms, we see how such good works flow from our deliverance. This follows the pattern God set with the Israelites.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 