Leviticus 25:23-38
The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine. For you are strangers and sojourners with me. – Leviticus 25:23
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We may think that we’ve come a long way from the ancient agricultural society Israel was when they entered the Promised Land, but in reality, real estate, land and property ownership still comprises an important source of wealth and prestige even in our modern society. This is how the so-called “rich” pass down their wealth to their children—buying them property that generates income. So inevitably the rich become richer, and poor become poorer, and the wealth gap widens with each generation. We have accepted this as a fact in our world today.
The laws that God gave to Israel guarded against this exact situation. Every 50 years, the economic playing ground was levelled. The rich relinquished land back to the original owners according to their tribes, and the poor received back their ancestral land. With hard work and diligence, they could rebuild their lives again. This wasn’t simply justice or equality, but God’s equity.
Furthermore, God commanded the Israelites to take care of their brother when he became too poor to provide for himself. They weren’t allowed to charge him interest or gain a profit from feeding him. The basis of such acts of kindness and generosity was the “fear of God” and the desire for the brother to live near to them (v.36).
In caring for others, providing one-off financial support can sometimes be the simplest option, especially if God has given us so much blessings that we can afford to give from the surplus of his provision. However, the kindness, generosity and love of neighbour that we are called to as holy people of God must include considering the long-term sustainability and livelihoods of people. We are also called to be journeying with the poor and needy brothers among us to uphold and support them holistically as their community. This is because we worship a God who has created and loves each person equally. This is also because we ourselves have received such love, kindness, and generosity. Being reminded of our God’s love and that we are blessed to be channels of his blessing will help us be good stewards of the gifts we’ve been bestowed with.
Reflection:
Am I actively seeking opportunities to help those who are in need of my help, whether it be financial or emotional support? How can I as a member of God’s holy people show his kindness and generosity to those around me?
Prayer:
Generous and kind Father, you’ve been so good to me, giving me all that I need and more. Your word says that you were more pleased with the widow’s two small copper coins than the big amounts the rich were tithing. Regardless of how much it is, teach me to be a good steward of all that you’ve given me so that I may reflect your kindness and generosity to those around me. In Jesus’ most blessed name I pray. Amen.
Clickk to read
We may think that we’ve come a long way from the ancient agricultural society Israel was when they entered the Promised Land, but in reality, real estate, land and property ownership still comprises an important source of wealth and prestige even in our modern society. This is how the so-called “rich” pass down their wealth to their children—buying them property that generates income. So inevitably the rich become richer, and poor become poorer, and the wealth gap widens with each generation. We have accepted this as a fact in our world today.
The laws that God gave to Israel guarded against this exact situation. Every 50 years, the economic playing ground was levelled. The rich relinquished land back to the original owners according to their tribes, and the poor received back their ancestral land. With hard work and diligence, they could rebuild their lives again. This wasn’t simply justice or equality, but God’s equity.
Furthermore, God commanded the Israelites to take care of their brother when he became too poor to provide for himself. They weren’t allowed to charge him interest or gain a profit from feeding him. The basis of such acts of kindness and generosity was the “fear of God” and the desire for the brother to live near to them (v.36).
In caring for others, providing one-off financial support can sometimes be the simplest option, especially if God has given us so much blessings that we can afford to give from the surplus of his provision. However, the kindness, generosity and love of neighbour that we are called to as holy people of God must include considering the long-term sustainability and livelihoods of people. We are also called to be journeying with the poor and needy brothers among us to uphold and support them holistically as their community. This is because we worship a God who has created and loves each person equally. This is also because we ourselves have received such love, kindness, and generosity. Being reminded of our God’s love and that we are blessed to be channels of his blessing will help us be good stewards of the gifts we’ve been bestowed with.
Reflection:
Am I actively seeking opportunities to help those who are in need of my help, whether it be financial or emotional support? How can I as a member of God’s holy people show his kindness and generosity to those around me?
Prayer:
Generous and kind Father, you’ve been so good to me, giving me all that I need and more. Your word says that you were more pleased with the widow’s two small copper coins than the big amounts the rich were tithing. Regardless of how much it is, teach me to be a good steward of all that you’ve given me so that I may reflect your kindness and generosity to those around me. In Jesus’ most blessed name I pray. Amen.