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Deuteronomy 15:7-8, If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.

Moses states that there should not be poverty among them (v. 4) and yet this chapter is filled with information about borrowing, lending, and when to forgive debts.  It even discusses freeing servants who have sold themselves into voluntary servitude.  There seems to be a gulf between what is desired or asked for (no poverty) and the reality (intense poverty to the point people sell themselves).  So while there should not be poverty among them, because God has poured blessings into their lives and the land, poverty seems to exist nonetheless.  Today's focus verses address this.  They give instructions to the more affluent about how to handle the issue of the poor.  It's pretty clear - don't be hard-hearted but rather be generous and lend them what they need. 

Despite all these instructions, there isn't much indication that the Iand of Israel did a good job caring for their poor.  In fact, it was often their oppression of the poor and failure to care for the most vulnerable of society that repeatedly angered God.  The judges often warned about caring for the weak.  The Psalms and Proverbs are filled with Scripture that speaks to not oppressing the poor.  This was obviously an issue.

We are called to care for the poor.  How have you made this a reality in your own life?

Let’s pray…Almighty Lord, You are creator and Lord of all.  You care for every person and we know that every life is precious in your sight.  Lord, help us remember that as well.  Every single human life has value and we, as your people, are to care for all people.  Lord, break our hearts for what breaks yours.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 New Hope Daily SOAP: Deuteronomy 15

Pastor Vicki Harrison

To read this text, go to:  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy%2015&version=NIV

Deuteronomy 15:7-8, If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.

Moses states that there should not be poverty among them (v. 4) and yet this chapter is filled with information about borrowing, lending, and when to forgive debts.  It even discusses freeing servants who have sold themselves into voluntary servitude.  There seems to be a gulf between what is desired or asked for (no poverty) and the reality (intense poverty to the point people sell themselves).  So while there should not be poverty among them, because God has poured blessings into their lives and the land, poverty seems to exist nonetheless.  Today's focus verses address this.  They give instructions to the more affluent about how to handle the issue of the poor.  It's pretty clear - don't be hard-hearted but rather be generous and lend them what they need. 

Despite all these instructions, there isn't much indication that the Iand of Israel did a good job caring for their poor.  In fact, it was often their oppression of the poor and failure to care for the most vulnerable of society that repeatedly angered God.  The judges often warned about caring for the weak.  The Psalms and Proverbs are filled with Scripture that speaks to not oppressing the poor.  This was obviously an issue.

We are called to care for the poor.  How have you made this a reality in your own life?

Let’s pray…Almighty Lord, You are creator and Lord of all.  You care for every person and we know that every life is precious in your sight.  Lord, help us remember that as well.  Every single human life has value and we, as your people, are to care for all people.  Lord, break our hearts for what breaks yours.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.