Not Empty-Handed

"If your kinsman, a Hebrew man or woman, is sold to you, then he shall serve you six years, but in the seventh year you shall set him free. When you set him free, you shall not send him away empty-handed. You shall furnish him liberally from your flock and from your threshing floor and from your wine vat; you shall give to him as the Lord your God has blessed you. You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you; therefore I command you this today." -Deuteronomy 15.12-15

Just as the people were to give generously to the poor, so are they to take care of their kinsman if they became their slave. After six years they were to be set free, but they were not to go empty-handed. They were to be supplied so that they could start on their own. The people are to remember that they were once slaves in Egypt, and that God freed them and blessed them with all that they have.

I couldn't stop thinking about these verses. We no longer have slavery in America, and the form that we did once practice was vastly different than that practiced in the Middle East during Bible times. But the concept of not sending someone who has served you away empty handed because of where you have come from is on my mind.

Israel had nothing when they started. As slaves, everything they owned belonged to Pharaoh. But when God delivered them, He set them free with the wealth of Egypt. He gave them everything as they began to start out on their own. And this same generosity that God showed them, He calls for them to show to each other. Again, God calls them to bless as they have been blessed.

What does this look like today? Honestly, I'm not totally sure. I think it begins with remember where you have come from, how you started, and then looking at all that God has blessed you with. Then look at how you are able to be a blessing to others.

Men, do you remember where you have come from? Do you see others in that same place? Are you willing to help them and bless them as God has blessed you?

May we never forget where we come from. May we seek to help those we can. May we bless as we have been blessed.

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

To God alone be the Glory!

Strength and Honor