Strangers, Widows, and Orphans

"You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall not afflict any widow or orphan. If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry; and My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless." -Exodus 22.21-24

This chapter of Exodus continues with instructions God has given His people. There are laws about property, and who is responsible for for paying back what and when, and then it moves into what are called sundry (various or diverse) laws. All of them could be written on, but I am writing these based on what stands out to me. These verses talk about not afflicting, or taking advantage of, those who cannot stand up for themselves.

God says that they people shall not wrong a stranger among them, they shall not afflict any widow or orphan. If they do, God will hear their cries and His anger will be kindles and He will kill them with the sword making their wives widows and children orphans. It's easy to take advantage of a stranger, and it's easier still to take advantage of widows and orphans, but God specifically warns not to do it.

Men, let us stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. When there are strangers, new people in the workplace, at church, or in the neighborhood, reach out to them. Be friendly and helpful. Remember, you are being a representative of God to them, even if you aren't meaning to be. First impressions speak loudly and are lasting, so make them good.

Stand up for the widow and the orphan. Do what you can to help them. Help the old lady who lives across the street. Mow her lawn, shovel the driveway in the winter. Keep an eye out for her. Be there for the fatherless. We have so many children that need a daddy today. You don't have to adopt to be there for them.

Are you willing to invest the time and energy, or do you want to blow it off and leave it for someone else? What would you want done for you when you move to a new situation? What do you want for your wife when you're gone, or your children if something happens to you?

Invest in others as you would want others to invest in you and your family. Be the friend and neighbor that you want to have. Not doing this invites God's anger, and that's something we don't want to see. What we do for others will be done for us, live how you want to be treated.

"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor