A “through the bible” devotion from Leviticus 25.
I’ve read that about 2/3 of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. That doesn’t sound good. That means a household is one case of the flu, one injury, one unexpected expense, or one layoff from not being able to pay bills or buy food or cover some other expense.
In the Old TestamentGo made provision for such a family:
“Now in case a countryman of yours becomes poor and his means among you falter, then you are to sustain him, like a stranger or a resident, so that he may live with you” (Leviticus 25:35).
If you keep reading, there are specifics about how to care for someone who has become poor. Don’t charge him interest if you lend money. Sell him food for cost. Hire him on as a worker. Treat that person with compassion, dignity, and encouragement.
One could boil down God’s commands into one simple idea: “Take care of each other.” Paul wrote, “Love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans 13:10).
Stuff happens. It might happen to you. Life throws curves at us. But if a faith community, whether a chosen people or a gathered church, takes care of each other, no one has to do it alone. God provides for us in many different ways. Sometimes it’s through me. Sometimes it’s for me.
And just like that, we’ve made it through Leviticus. I hope you enjoyed the journey as much as I did!
Waite for it... 