THE LORD SPOKE (September 12)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Proverbs 29-31

“God must have loved the poor - He made so many of them.” - Abraham Lincoln

One of the characteristics of a person in tune with God is a concern for the poor. More than a concern. Action on behalf of the poor. Proverbs 31:8-9 - Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Several proverbs take up the legal aspects of defending the poor, of not exploiting them, or not allowing partiality to turn the head of justice (see 16:10-11; 22:22; 24:23; 29:14). You may not find yourself commonly in court with the poor but take careful note of this: Proverbs 29:7 - The righteous care about justice for the poor but the wicked have no such concern.

It goes farther than that! What we do for the poor is actually a loan to God. Imagine that - He places Himself in our debt when we are generous to those who are in need. Proverbs 19:17 - He who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward him for what he has done.

This is not just a criteria for kings, a job for judges, or a mission for men. The woman of honor (Proverbs 31) is also praised for her role: Proverbs 31:20 - She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

So, practically speaking, how can we best cultivate this biblical attitude and put our money where our mouth is?

1. Do not turn your head away from the poor. That doesn’t just happen on the street, it happens internally when we refuse to consider the need or block it out of our thinking. Hardening your heart is dangerous - extremely dangerous - in a spiritual matter like this.
2. Better yet, take a pro-active approach to this matter. Find out who and where the poor are around you.
3. Go to the local rescue mission and help out. Nothing will soften your heart more than to see the needs up close. Distance is the best (worst!) cushion against poverty.
4. Dedicate a portion of your income (or your grocery basket) to helping those who have less than you do. It may be the widow next door or the shut-ins across the street. Be generous. Give to the poor.
5. In your giving, don’t neglect the most important item you have to offer the poor. Make every effort to give them the Gospel. It will be of far more value than anything you can supply for them here on earth. Contribute generously to getting the Word of God to the uttermost parts of the earth. We are filthy rich here in America and there is a hungry world beyond our borders. They are looking for crumbs that fall from our table. Give them cake - both physical and spiritual.

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? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. (I John 3:17-18)


New Testament: Revelation 18

Babylon is symbolic of the world opposed to God. As a great commercial, political, and religious center in the ancient world, she represents wealth and power that has turned to luxury and moral decadence. Her decline has sucked in many others as she invites one and all to “drink the maddening wine of her adulteries” (Rev. 14:8).

Not content to go down alone, she has pulled many with her, teaching them her abominations to the point that her title becomes “Mother of Prostitutes” (Rev. 17:5). It’s no wonder that the prophets issue stern warnings and recommend flight. Some things you stand and resist - but not Babylonish temptations.

• Isaiah 48:20 - Leave Babylon, flee from the Babylonians!
• Isaiah 52:11 - Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing! Come out from it and be pure.
• Jeremiah 50:8 - Flee out of Babylon; leave the land of the Babylonians.
• Jeremiah 51:6 - Flee from Babylon! Run for your lives! Do not be destroyed because of her sins.
• Revelation 18:4 - Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins.

Run away from Babylon, they say. Don’t hang around her or let her get a place in your heart. At best, you’ll be tainted but the chances are more than excellent that it will go much farther than that. She’s had lots of practice and knows well how to pull you in. Don’t be careful...RUN!

Like the young man in Proverbs 7, don’t wander near her door. Don’t let yourself hear her lies. “Many are the victims she has brought down...her house is a highway to the grave” (Prov. 7:26-27). “Keep a path far from her, do not go near the door of her house” (Prov. 5:8).

This isn’t just an Old Testament metaphorical suggestion. This is New Testament teaching also. Look at what Paul tells the Corinthians:

"Therefore, come out from them and be separate,” says the Lord, “Touch no unclean thing."

The Corinthians knew something about the attractions of adultery. Long before it happens in bed it starts in the heart. Don’t flirt with it! Cut it out; reject it; run away. This snare will get you before you know it so don’t go sniffing around. Recognize it from a distance and put some more space between you and it.

What part of “Run!” don’t you understand?