Highlights In Today's Reading:
God makes a clear distinction between what is clean and unclean. And what is this about charging interest on a loan? In the month of Abib (March/April) the Passover was celebrated, foreshadowing Christ's redemptive work on the cross as the ultimate Sacrifical Lamb.
Israel was instructed to observe a year of release every seven years when all indebtedness was to be cleared from all the records. Thine heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto Him: because that for this thing the Lord thy God shall bless thee. . . . thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land (15:1,10-11; Leviticus 25:20-21).
God has always demonstrated loving concern for the poor, the widow, children, and the helpless. The sufferings of distressed people touch His heart. As He said to a weeping Egyptian mother in the desert without food and water as she awaited the death of her child Ishmael: Hagar . . . fear not (Genesis 21:17). He said to Isaac when his herdsmen were driven away by the herdsmen of Gerar: Fear not, for I am with thee (26:24). Jesus said: Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in My Name . . . shall not lose his reward (Mark 9:41). When one gives to the poor, he lends to the Lord who always repays (Proverbs 19:17).
Our Lord had compassion on the multitude, because they . . . have nothing to eat (Matthew 15:32). The same God is compassionate today when He observes men, women, and little children who live in poverty — not having even the necessities of life and He expects us to respond as His Body on earth.
Can anyone believe that God is indifferent to the pain, sorrows, griefs, and trials of His creation? In the darkest night and wildest storm, He is saying to all who receive Him as Savior and Lord: Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid (14:27).
The Gospel of salvation is a testimony to the tender mercy of His nature. He has remembered all of us when we were eternally lost and bound by Satan and separated from the riches of His grace. God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
At the resurrection of the just (Luke 14:14) all who have received Christ as Lord of their lives and who have manifested His concern for the needs of others will hear the King say unto them: Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungred, and ye gave Me meat (food): I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took Me in (Matthew 25:34-36).
Thought for Today:
As we read God's Word, the Holy Spirit will provide His guidance, regardless of how difficult our circumstances may seem.
Christ Revealed:
Through the year of release, which typifies Christ's forgiveness of our sins (Deuteronomy 15:1). This should cause us to realize how important it is to forgive others, even as He has forgiven us (Matthew 6:14-15). Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you (Eph. 4:32).
Word Studies:
14:1 make any baldness =b> shave heads as the pagans do; 14:2 a peculiar people unto Himself =b> dedicated people not conformed to worldly standards but living to please God; 14:21 seethe =b> boil; 16:19 wrest judgment =b> pervert justice.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East in memory of Dennis Naderhoff •Staff: Joe Brashier • Government Official: Sen. Christopher Bond (MO) • Country: Fiji (813,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and Fijian • Religious freedom • 41% Hindu; 40% Protestant; 9% Roman Catholic; 8% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for those who have hurt you (Matthew 5:44).
Optional Reading: Luke 21
Memory Verse for the Week: I Peter 1:14