I AM MY BROTHER'S KEEPER

Brothers and Sisters, we have a problem. We are not following the commands of God. During my daily time with the Father in His Word today I was reading Leviticus. In the 25th chapter there is a section on the poor within the community that are citizens of said community. This is an Ordinance from God that does not go away during the time of Jesus but is in fact emphasized on how we are supposed to be in our daily lives.

I know that we have Christians that are told not to worry about the Old Testament and concentrate only on the New, but that is the wrong answer. We have to know the Laws, Statutes, Histories, Stories, Proverbs, and Psalms, to really understand our Father God and what Jesus was completing, reemphasizing, teaching, and sharing with all who would hear Him. It gives the back story on why Jesus was against the Sanhedrin in their ways. The Old Testament is absolutely necessary for our faith.

Anyway, I want to discuss this problem with the homeless as mentioned above and why we have failed. First let us take a look at what God told Moses to tell the people:    

“‘If a member of your people has become poor, so that he can’t support himself among you, you are to assist him as you would a foreigner or a temporary resident, so that he can continue living with you. Do not charge him interest or otherwise profit from him, but fear your God, so that your brother can continue living with you. Do not take interest when you loan him money or take a profit when you sell him food. I am Adonai your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt in order to give you the land of Kena‘an and be your God. Leviticus 25:35-38 (CJB)

Each tribe was to take care of their own and the brothers people as well. I know it sounds like we are to take them in to our homes and take care of them until they are back on their feet. When we help the homeless we are to treat the homeless as if they are family. But, in today’s society there are so many it would be difficult. The problem is so bad that shelters are full meaning more and more people are living on the streets, in the parks, basically anywhere they can find.

In Isaiah, the Prophet is chiding Israel for their false fasting and explains: “Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness.10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.11 And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.12 And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to dwell in. Isaiah 58:6-12

Isaiah is telling them that they have failed in conducting themselves in accordance with the Statutes set by God. “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered”(Proverbs 21:130). Here he talks about the joy that comes from helping others and the presence that God will have in their lives as He strengthens and blesses those who give of themselves and their blessings to help others; Many today have failed in this as well. Some that have helped seek human gratitude instead of waiting for the Father’s blessings which is where they fail. “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14 and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 13:13-14). We are to bring nourishment to those who cannot help themselves so that they see Jesus in us. Our reward is received on God’s time, not seeking earthly accolades.

One of the biggest problems in American society is how we treat those who are less fortunate. Proverbs 14:31 states, ”Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” I am ashamed of those who not only look down upon them but also those who give them a bad name and reputation by falsely seeking assistance which takes away from those who are truly in need.

One very important fact that needs to be remembered is that we all come from the same mold. Just because we look different, speak differently, and have different ways of looking at life we all have one Father, One Creator, God Almighty. We are responsible for each other for we are made to care for creation of which ALL people are part of.

Brothers and Sisters, I could go on and on about the many Scriptures that tell us to help those in need, less fortunate, and without but that would take about 10 to 20 pages. If we stand up and do as God asks of us then this problem can be contained and controlled. Unfortunately there will always be poor and destitute people in the world but with God all things are possible. We can put an end to people finding unhealthy ways of joy and happiness which are only temporary by showing them God’s love through our actions and sharing the Word with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Cain asked God if he was his brother’s keeper, I am here to say yes, yes we are.
Be the Person God needs you to be.

In God’s Loving Arms,
Rob, Servant of God