The Israelites were commanded to cancel debts and free those in bondage every 7th year. In addition, God wanted them to understand the principle of generosity which the Law could not teach.
Deut . 15:7-11 “If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother: But thou shalt open thine hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wanteth. Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and thine eye be evil against thy poor brother, and thou givest him nought; and he cry unto the LORD against thee, and it be sin unto thee. Thou shalt surely give him, and thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him: because that for this thing the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thy works, and in all that thou puttest thine hand unto. For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.”
LESSON - Here are a few points to consider within this passage:
1. Don’t ignore those in need.
-Remember how gracious God has been to you.
2. Don’t find convenient excuses to avoid what the Holy Spirit has already led you to do.
-Give generously to meet the present need.
3. Expect God’s blessings for your sacrifice.
-There’s no need to feel grieved in your sacrificial giving b/c you can’t out give God!
4. There’s no better time to start giving sacrificially than today.
-There will always be someone in need within your area of influence. Your gift might change a life!
Lk. 12:48b “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
1 Cor. 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful."
We have been blessed to be a blessing!
~Mike
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