God’s Heart of Care
Exodus 22
Ex 22:22-24 You must
not exploit a widow or an orphan. 23 If you exploit them in any way and they
cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry. 24 My anger will blaze
against you, and I will kill you with the sword. Then your wives will be widows
and your children fatherless.
WIDOWS and orphans in the Hebrew culture were
very vulnerable. A widow was without means to live. If she had no son, she had
to rely on family or friends to support her. Orphans were outcasts, vulnerable
to others’ abuse. Widows and orphans could legitimately be rejected in many
cultures and literally left to die.
But
our creator God gave life to those without hope. God seems to have a special
heart for widows and orphans. Throughout scripture God pays special attention
to them. The book of Ruth is about God bringing hope and new life to two
widows, one of whom, Ruth, is a foreigner who marries into the lineage of Jesus’
human birth.
In
these laws from today’s reading, we see God caring for women in many ways. If
we say we follow Christ, the direction is clear: care for those in need. God
passionately hates those who take advantage of the broken and lost. Conversely,
God is passionate that people experience blessing. He calls on those who have
material goods to share them with those who have legitimate needs. He commands
those who have authority to protect the weak and vulnerable.
Is
there someone you know who needs special care today? Trust your heart to know
God is speaking to you. Care for those God cares for and please your God.
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