In Your Land                                           11-20-15


Deuteronomy 15:11 (ESV) ¹¹  For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’


I have a couple of perspectives on this passage of Scripture this week. It seems as if the Lord won't let me leave this concept or principle of becoming a giver. It has been with me the last few weeks, and at least for now won't go away.Let me share with you what's on my heart.

First on the bigger stage. I saw a Facebook post this week regarding the subject that is on everyone's lips recently. That being the Syrian(?) immigrants. You, I am sure know the details, so I won't thrash about said details here. This Facebook post was simple in it's message. Take care of your own FIRST. It went on to say that upon arrival the immigrants would be entitled to free, modern housing, free food and to some extent, access to certain government benefits. Then, as I recall it, in big bold letters, "WHILE SOME 33,000 HOMELESS VETERANS WILL SLEEP ON THE STREET TONIGHT." As I read that verse today, this post, of this week past, scrolled across my mind. Without getting any deeper politically,zero in on the last three words in that verse. IN YOUR LAND. Not only veterans, but 1 in 5 (I believe that number is correct) children in the state of Tennessee will go to bed hungry tonight. 

I will leave the decision to you(I have settled it in my mind) on where and to whom our resources and COMPASSION as a nation should be directed.

The Lord also spoke on a personal level to your's truly on this passage today.
I read an interesting take on the Shemitah this week, I will share it here. It seems as though the '''release"(Hebrew for shemitah) had a different core meaning than the one of judgment that has been spoken of so much recently. Now to be sure, the shemitah cycles have been characterized by judgment; but, it seems that the judgment was in response to the Israelites disobedience to God's commands, not God's original intent.

The "core" idea behind the shemitah was an opportunity to be givers and indeed to learn to trust God for their material needs. They were not allowed to plant crops in the sabbatical year, forcing them to trust God to provide their very food.They were to forgive debts,to extend mercy and grace ,and to "give back" to those in need.It was a release or better a relief from the toil,labor and worry of planting and harvesting. A time of trusting God for their well being. A time to learn trust and sharing. This was God's plan for the children of Israel in their dealings with each other. Those that were "in the land."

We have a small prayer group that meets on Tuesday nights. Shields, Shelley and me. I am always reminded during that prayer time to pray for those that are in "my realm, or in "my world."" Those that are in direct contact with me. They are in "my land." Isn't that what God is talking about here? Look at the verse again.

Deuteronomy 15:11 (ESV) ¹¹  For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’


What can we glean here? First there will always be a need in the land. There will always be someone that needs help.Secondly, this is not a suggestion to help those in need. "Therefore I command you....." Third it is unlike the command to tithe. How so Ronnie?

Israel was commanded to support the Levitical priesthood and the temple. In today's world they were commanded to materially support the church and it's ministers.It was a stated portion of their income. You know the story. But then, in addition to that support, God commanded the children to ".....open wide your hand....in the land."

When dealing with their brothers and neighbors in need God spoke in descriptive terms didn't He? Words like "empty handed and grudgingly" were used in negative connotations. On the positive side "open wide, liberally." You gettin' my drift here?

Brothers and sisters, God does not want your money. He does not need the money. Yours or mine. 

 Psalm 50:10-12 (ESV) ¹⁰  For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
¹¹  I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.
¹²  “If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine.

What He wants is to bless us. The Bible is chock full of exhortations and examples of the blessings that befell folk who chose to trust God and become givers. God on occasion even challenges us to test Him concerning our being givers. One of the few, if not the only circumstance that He allows us to test Him. 

Malachi 3:10 (ESV) ¹⁰  Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.

Don't worry about whether it is a tithe or grace giving, that isn't what He is trying to get across. What's important is that we BECOME GIVERS. If we do that, He will guide us on how much, don't you think? In these perilous times ahead we can stack the gold and silver from floor to ceiling. It just takes one "incident" and it can all be gone. On the other hand if we trust God with our resources, He will do the stacking  as He sees fit and it will be enough. Amen?

 2 Corinthians 9:8 (ESV) ⁸  And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Psalm 50:14-15 (ESV) ¹⁴  Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High,
¹⁵  and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”


God Bless