The vulnerable
“God ensures that orphans and widows receive justice. He shows love to the foreigners living among you and gives them food and clothing. So you, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. You must fear the Lord your God and worship him and cling to him.” Deuteronomy 10:18-19
I’ve never been a widow or an orphan but, for two years, I was a foreigner, living in India. It was the most amazing experience. Everything felt different. The language, constantly warm weather and hot curries were just the start of it. Indian customs and attitudes to life were totally unfamiliar. I was surrounded by the love and generosity of the Indian family I lived with, but there was no disguising the fact that I was a foreigner. I belonged to another country. And I can easily understand how foreigners can feel vulnerable and threatened.
Moses reminded the people of Israel that they had once been foreigners themselves. They lived in Egypt for 400 years and, although that was an extremely long time, they never belonged there. They were always foreigners, and were constantly threatened and abused. Moses was keen the people should remember their past and ensure they were always generous to the foreigners that they met. Like orphans and widows, they were likely to be the most vulnerable members of society.
Everyone is important to God. Everyone deserves to be cared for and loved, and so God’s people need to take special care of those who are vulnerable and weak. From beginning to end, the Bible consistently challenges people who love God to have a special care for those who are vulnerable. As James 1:27 puts it: “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress.” Let’s go into today with our eyes open to those in need, and to the opportunities we may have to show them care and support.
QUESTION
Which groups of people are particularly vulnerable in our modern society? What more could you do to help them?
PRAYER
Lord God, help me to show your love to the vulnerable members of my community. Amen