Today, we mourn with our brothers and sisters in Haiti who have experienced so much loss. It is our prayer that God will bring mercy and peace to the people of Haiti. Yes, we can pray, but we should also give. Our parent organization is on the ground providing relief, will you respond? You can give here: http://www.cmalliance.org/give/relief/

Title: Honoring the Maker

Scripture Read: Proverbs 14

Key Verse:  “Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.”  Proverbs 14:31

Observations:

It is very clear from scripture, take care of the poor.  Love the poor, don’t take advantage of them, and do all in your power to empower them to work and give them what they need.  Oppressing them insults God.  I love this proverb because it is giving us a glimpse into what would be the ways of Jesus hundreds of years later.  Jesus was all about the poor and the hurting.  He trained his followers to be activist and “give them something to eat.” The poor who are despised by their neighbors (vs. 20) are crying out to us to Live Differently.  To be the ones who set the example of how to treat the poor.  We don’t have to despise the poor, we don’t have to continue the cycle of oppression.  It is our role to take responsibility.  Christ followers stand up for the whole community, every last person.

Applications:

Devastating.  As I was watching images from Haiti, I had to turn the TV off.  Knowing there are people trapped under rubble, breathing their last breath, crying out for help and dying alone was too painful to think of.  But it fuels within me a desire to do something and a sense of urgency.  Haiti, just miles off the coast of Florida is poor and now resembles a war zone.  What will I do today and what should I do to help?  Our job is to lead the way in compassion and understanding for the poor.  We should be ones who are activist for those around the world hurting.  Let me encourage in this way though.  Let’s not ignore the problems on our doorstep while we help the world.  We have just started a partnership with the Bromley community center in Hamilton. In order to solve the problems of the world, we have to solve the problems of our own neighborhoods and community.  I long to live in a community where we look to the needs of the poor first.  We are a long way off, but we can get there.  Restored lives are one humane caring act away.  As we bring them food, housing, shelter, we show them the love of Jesus.

Prayer:

Give me wisdom in how to take care of the poor and to empower and encourage others to do the same.  Help me to take my eyes off my wants and focus on their needs.

Burning Questions:

Is there anything you are doing to oppress the poor?  Do you find yourself judging the poor rather than being a part of helping them?  What will you do today, not to make yourself feel better, but to give them hope?