SCRIPTURE: DUETERONOMY 15
BIBLE VERSES:
“For the Lord your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you.” (Deuteronomy 15:6)
“Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.’ (Deuteronomy 15:10-11)
“ Set apart for the Lord your God every firstborn male of your herds and flocks. Do not put the firstborn of your cows to work, and do not shear the firstborn of your sheep, Each year you and your family are to eat them in the presence of the Lord your God at the place he will choose.” (Deuteronomy 15:19-20)
“If an animal has a defect, is lame or blind, or has any serious flaw, you must not sacrifice it to the Lord your God. You are to eat it in your own towns. Both the ceremonially unclean and the clean may eat it, as if it were gazelle or deer. But you must not eat the blood; pour it out on the ground like water.” (Deuteronomy 15:21-23)
THE YEAR FOR CANCELING DEBTS (vs. 1-11)
The Lord had set the 7th year as the year for canceling debts. Every creditor must cancel the loan he had made to his fellow Israelite but foreigners were not included. Be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. Give generously without a grudging heart for the Lord will bless you in all your work and in everything you do.
FREEING SERVANTS (vs. 12-18)
On the 7th year, the Israelites must let their fellow Hebrew servant go free. They must not send him away empty handed but supply him with flocks and winepress. But if the servant wanted to stay, take an oil and pinch it through his ear lobe into the door as a symbol that he will become your servant for life.
FIRSTBORN ANIMALS (vs. 19-23)
Every first born male or female of herds and flocks must be set apart for the Lord. The first born oxen was not to work or shear. Only those with out defect could be sacrificed tot he Lord.
THOUGHTS:
The blessings of God should motivate us to be a blessing and help to others. we should willingly respond to the needs of the poor and needy. Byu doing so, we are sharing God’s goodness and blessings to others.
The Israelites were reminded that they had once been slaves in Egypt. Their present freedom was a gift from God so that they should also release their servants after 6 years of service. Today, we must treat our employees with respect and economic fairness.