Deuteronomy 24

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Deuteronomy 24:17-22, Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.  Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there. That is why I command you to do this.  When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olives from your trees, do not go over the branches a second time. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow.  When you harvest the grapes in your vineyard, do not go over the vines again. Leave what remains for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this.

The commands in today's focus verses fall under the heading "respect for the dignity of others." While many of the laws we've been reading about seem harsh, here we see a beautiful picture of God's grace.  It matters how the most vulnerable in society are treated - the alien, the orphan, and the widow.  These were three groups of people who would not enjoy the normal protection of a family and tribal group.  Because of that, they were almost doomed to a life of begging and poverty.  Thus, they were to be treated with mercy because God was merciful to the Israelite people. 

The practical application of this included leaving portions of the harvest in the field so the alien, widow, and orphan could glean from the field and have something to eat.  We see this occur in the story of Ruth and Boaz in the book of Ruth.  Take some time today to read this short but amazing book. 

Let's pray...God, Thank you for your mercy.  Thank you for your provisions.  Your generosity and kindness for all people have no bounds.  Help us be but even a small reflection of your amazing love and grace.  In Your Name, Amen.