Good morning!
Text: Leviticus 19-21; Proverbs 16:17-33
I find that this part of Leviticus is easier, less complicated, and much of it makes sense for us as Christians. A powerful principal of the heart is captured in Leviticus 19:9-10:
“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, neither shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. And you shall not strip your vineyard bare, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”
I don’t know how comfortable we are with letting people have that kind of access to our lives and our stuff. I too often think of what is “mine” as actually mine. I think I might get grumpy if strangers were picking my berries. In fact, I know I have in the past. Once we lived in a house that had some blackberry bushes near the road. The kids were young and we had gone for a family walk. When we returned home there was a man standing in our yard helping himself to some nice big, ripe berries. I ran him off with some sharp words about private property and all that. Nice example of generosity and love, Dad!
The Lord calls us to have a loose grip on our possessions, and to take care of those with needs that we can meet. And, not for show, but for love. Amen.
in Him, Mike