It is fascinating to read the Old Testament, especially the book of Deuteronomy, through the lens of what God wanted the Israelites to be like as a country. Through of the many rules and provisions and laws God handed down to the Israelites, one can’t help but notice that God wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of by each other, especially the poor and those who found themselves in a tough hole. Everybody was to be afforded a certain type of dignity and respect as a created human being, regardless of the situation they found themselves to be in.
Deuteronomy 15:11 says matter-of-factly, “There will always be poor people in the land.” My study Bible annotates this verse with this: “Even in the best of societies under the most enlightened laws, the uncertainties of life and the variations among citizens result in some people becoming poor.” When I read that, I thought about how true it is. There are many stories of people who have become poor through events out of their control, and not just because of poor planning, poor spending or poor self-control. If God is helping the Israelites prepare and plan for a nation that is under His rule and He is making a provision for this, then, indeed, even in the best of societies, there will be poor people.
The more I dwelt on this passage and God’s command that follows it, “Therefore I command you to be openhanded towards your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land,” the more I paid attention to the current debate about welfare, health care, the role of government and taxes among the various strata of American citizenry. No matter where the debate lands, the ultimate responsibility for our reaction to the poor lie within ourselves. No one should ever be made beneath anybody else because the truth is that no one is. Sometimes we forget that all it takes is one catastrophic event and we, too, could end up poor.
Are we hardhearted or tightfisted towards our brothers and sisters in need, or are we openhanded and freely lending what they need? Do we shun or do we welcome? Do we give dignity or do we withdraw it?
“Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” -Deuteronomy 15:10.
– Matt
Deuteronomydignitypoorrespectwelfare
The Issue of the Poor
April 11, 2013
Calvary
Comments Off on The Issue of the Poor
Matt
It is fascinating to read the Old Testament, especially the book of Deuteronomy, through the lens of what God wanted the Israelites to be like as a country. Through of the many rules and provisions and laws God handed down to the Israelites, one can’t help but notice that God wanted to make sure everyone was taken care of by each other, especially the poor and those who found themselves in a tough hole. Everybody was to be afforded a certain type of dignity and respect as a created human being, regardless of the situation they found themselves to be in.
Deuteronomy 15:11 says matter-of-factly, “There will always be poor people in the land.” My study Bible annotates this verse with this: “Even in the best of societies under the most enlightened laws, the uncertainties of life and the variations among citizens result in some people becoming poor.” When I read that, I thought about how true it is. There are many stories of people who have become poor through events out of their control, and not just because of poor planning, poor spending or poor self-control. If God is helping the Israelites prepare and plan for a nation that is under His rule and He is making a provision for this, then, indeed, even in the best of societies, there will be poor people.
The more I dwelt on this passage and God’s command that follows it, “Therefore I command you to be openhanded towards your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land,” the more I paid attention to the current debate about welfare, health care, the role of government and taxes among the various strata of American citizenry. No matter where the debate lands, the ultimate responsibility for our reaction to the poor lie within ourselves. No one should ever be made beneath anybody else because the truth is that no one is. Sometimes we forget that all it takes is one catastrophic event and we, too, could end up poor.
Are we hardhearted or tightfisted towards our brothers and sisters in need, or are we openhanded and freely lending what they need? Do we shun or do we welcome? Do we give dignity or do we withdraw it?
“Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” -Deuteronomy 15:10.
– Matt
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Deuteronomydignitypoorrespectwelfare