During the early Covid days, our church was an outlet for the local food pantry. We would hand out meals to hundreds of families. During one period, we got special shipments of fresh produce that farmers had donated. It didn’t last long, but the people were blessed. We must remember the needy. God laid out plans for Israel to do the same.
Leviticus 19:9-10
“‘Now when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field, nor shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest. Nor shall you glean your vineyard, nor shall you gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the needy and the stranger. I am the LORD your God.”
Leave Some for the Poor
Moses is reminding the Israelites as they prepare to enter the promised land to remember the needy. Israel would be given houses they didn’t build and fields they didn’t plant, so God wanted them to act the same way to those in need. They were to leave the corners of their wheat fields unharvested so that hungry could come and harvest for themselves. Interestingly, God told them to leave the corners because it was easy for them to access. God didn’t want the poor to be humiliated by walking to the middle of the field.
Do Your Part
As believers, it is our responsibility to remember the needy. All over the world, the church is stepping up and meeting the needs of those less fortunate. They are much more effective at doing this than any government agency. Getting the Gospel out is essential, but we can’t forget the poor. Each believer should either be volunteering or contributing to meeting these needs.
Remember the Needy
When we take some of our excesses and give it to those, who don’t have anything, it does something powerful in both lives. For the needy, it fills their stomach and gives them dignity where they don’t have to beg. For the giver, it opens their eyes to a world they are familiar. Remember the needy as you leave your home today.