November 9 - Leave Them for the Poor

Today's Reading:
Leviticus 22:17-23:44
John 6:22-42
Psalm 35:11-18 
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Focus Verses: Leviticus 23:22
22 " 'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.' "

Insight:
The levitical harvest laws instructed the Israelites to leave the grain in corners and edges of their fields. If they dropped something while harvesting, they were to leave it where it fell. In other words, they were commanded to do a less than thorough job. Instead of reaping every last grain for themselves, they were to leave it for the poor and the foreigners living among them. God's command included provision for those struggling in poverty. They were to be allowed to harvest the corners and edges and pick up anything that had been dropped.

Response and Action:
Rather than keeping every little bit of the blessing and harvest God has given me, I will find ways to share with those in need. Instead of selling everything I don't need, I will make it available to others. I will invite others to benefit from the "corners and edges" of my life. The heart of God is considerate of those in need, and so I want to have a heart for those in need. God asks those who have to be mindful of those who have not. I want to be mindful of and empathetic toward those who are struggling to find ways to meet their needs.

O God, thank you for providing for my needs. May I always have the wisdom and humility to recognize that you are my provider. Give me a heart that is generous toward those in need. Make me ready and willing to help those who are less fortunate. May your grace and provision for me always result in grace and provision for those around me. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: 1 John 3:17-18
17 If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.

Resources:
Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger: Moving from Affluence to Generosity
by Ronald J. Sider