Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share. — 1 Timothy, 6:18
Some mornings as I leave for work, my wife says to me, “Don’t forget to . . .” Later in the day, she’ll phone me and ask, “Did you forget?”
We all have a tendency to forget. I think that may be why God repeats important truths to us. Twice in Deuteronomy 24, the Lord reminded the Israelites that they were slaves in Egypt but they had been rescued and redeemed by Him (vv. 18, 22). Through Moses, He told them, “You shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you from there” (v. 18).
Because they had been redeemed, the Israelites had certain responsibilities that the Lord wanted them to remember. Moses said, “I command you to do this thing” (v. 18). What was “this thing”? They were told to care for “the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow” (v. 19). If part of the harvest was left in the fields, they were to leave it for these needy people. He reminds them of the people in verses 20 and 21 also.
We are redeemed people through Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection. We too are told numerous times to be willing to share with those in need. Hebrews 13:16 says, “Do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” — Albert Lee
For Further Study
Read the following Scriptures and determine how you might apply them to your life: Romans 12:1-13; I Corinthians 12:1-11; 2 Corinthians 9:6-8; Titus 3:14.
READ: Deut. 24:17-22
Getting gratifies, but sharing satisfies.
The Bible in one year:
• 2 Kings 17-18
• John 3:19-36