“If one of your brethren becomes poor, and falls into poverty among you, then you shall help him, like a stranger or a sojourner, that he may live with you. Take no usury or interest from him; but fear your God, that your brother may live with you.”
~ Leviticus 25: 35-36
There has always been famine in the land from time to time. At such times God draws the attention of mankind to Himself, making us live with the reality of His existence and supremacy. When there is famine in the land, people all over the world, or in specific nations will automatically lack the basic necessities of life- Food and shelter ( clothing can be well managed). This is the case of quite a lot of people today- hunger and hopelessness. ( Genesis 12:10, Genesis 26:1)
While we want to stay safe and save up some money for future uncertainties, focusing on ourselves and our immediate families, we might end up being insensitive to the need of others and avoid helping the people who need help at such times when hunger, homelessness, loss of jobs, harsh economic condition and other disheartening conditions are on the rise, God is looking down from Heaven and waiting to see what you will do with the stranger at your door. Will you look beyond yourself and extend a hand of love to such who can make use of your help or will just rather look away?
At this time and even beyond, welcoming strangers is a Biblical injunction that must be obeyed irrespective of the inconveniences which might come with it. This could be in the form of simple acts like preparing an hot meal for someone, providing shelter to those who need it, adopting a child or more in a bid to give them the good life their parents cannot afford due to circumstances beyond them, giving a basket of groceries, crediting someone’s account with a token, cancelling a debt, giving reasonable discount on purchases, rendering voluntary services to the old and feeble, etc. Whatever you choose to do does not necessarily have to be out of this world, what matters is that you are being a channel of God’s love and grace to such needy persons in difficult times. (Hebrews 13:2)
We live in such a time when even the strong need to be encouraged in one way or another, considering that the hope of many is shaky, the fear of the future has laid hold on the heart of more and what many believe is their reality doesn’t look any good. It is a time when even the mighty are falling. Will you arise and be the hands and feet of Jesus at this crucial time or you’ll rather fight for you and yours alone and leave everyone else to either survive this period because someone else reached out to them or let people suffer shame and hunger as a result of not having extended hands of charity when it was most needed?
There is a need to be at alert to the needs of others, so that we can be better prepared to respond not just to those we know but also to strangers that come our way or knock on our doors, knowing fully well that these strangers could be Jesus Himself.
Look beyond your own personal and family needs and stop withholding His blessings unnecessarily because of the fear of what tomorrow might bring. Tomorrow is uncertain and is in the hands of the Most High, yet today which is certain is calling out to you for help in saving situations that breaks the heart of Jesus- (Hungry, hopeless and homeless children, helpless parents, communities that are weary). The little you do will definitely go a long way in making a whole lot of difference. (James 4:13-14)
Can Jesus count on you to be that person He is certain will attend to His need if He stops by as a stranger at your door step? Now is the time to practice that which we have always preached, taught and believe – Love. Like never before, we can all make Jesus smile and proud of us, knowing that we choose to serve Him by offering help to His creations in this time of need spiritually, financially, emotionally, mentally and other wise. ( Matthew 25:35)
The greatest of all hunger is that of the souls that are hungry and thirsty for the True God. God is counting on you to be His hands and feet that will reach out to that someone today, considering that in this season, He wants to get the attention of His people as He draws many to Himself. ( Romans 10:14)
You have a role to play in ensuring we all go through this time without anyone feeling left out. Shine your light, release the savor in you, reveal the hope that Christ offers. Do right with that stranger. (Matthew 5:16)
We shall overcome.
Shalom.
Additional Scripture Readings
Genesis 41:27-30, Genesis 43:1, Genesis 47:13, Ruth 1:1, 2 Samuel 21:1, 1 Kings 18:2, 2 Kings 6:25
Author Profile
- Temitope is the founder of thesoulmeal.com, an online platform that she shares with her God-given spiritual family and friends. She is a speaker, teacher and youth counselor. She is passionate about inspiring people to find their identity in Christ. Catch her interviewing inspiring leaders on Tongue of the Learned Podcast
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