02-26-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
February 26, 2025
Today, I am reminded of scriptural expectation around care for the poor. In Leviticus 19:17, we read, “Those who are gracious to the poor lend to the Lord, and the Lord will fully repay them.” And in 1st John 3:17, we read, “But if someone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but refuses to help—how can the love of God dwell in a person like that?” Of course, the Prophets of Israel kept on having to call out the people, specifically the people in power, as they were not following the clear expectations of God. And in the early church, there were plenty of moments when the followers of Jesus were not representing the call of Jesus to care for the hungry, sick, poor, those in prison, the widows, and the orphans. Today, please pray for the most vulnerable in our country and around the globe. The programs and ministries of care and compassion are being stretched beyond measure, and my fear is they will soon break.

Lord, have mercy! Christ, have mercy! We need your mercy and your help, even though we know your clear expectations. Sometimes we just don’t know where to begin, so provide us with clear opportunities to act with empathy and generosity. Amen.