Year in the Bible Daily Reading:
Leviticus 19-20; Hebrews 7 Listen to Today's Reading
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Leviticus 19:9-18
When you harvest your fields, do not cut the grain at the edges of the fields and do not go back to cut the heads of grain that were left. Do not go back through your vineyards to gather the grapes that were missed or pick up the grapes that have fallen; leave them for the poor people and foreigners. I am the Lord your God. Do not cheat or lie. Do not make promises in my name. I am the Lord your God. Do not rob or take advantage of anyone. Do not hold back the wages of someone you have hired, not even for one night. Do not curse the deaf or put something in front of the blind so as to make them stumble over it. Obey me; I am the Lord your God. Be honest and just when you make decisions in legal cases; do not show favoritism to the poor or fear the rich. Do not spread lies about anyone, and when someone is on trial for his life, speak out if your testimony can help him. I am the Lord. Do not bear a grudge against others, but settle your differences with them, so that you will not commit a sin because of them. Do not take revenge on others or continue to hate them, but love your neighbors as you love yourself. I am the Lord. Leviticus 19:9-18 (GNT)
It seems to me that the start of today's passage is an Old Testament version of a stewardship message. They did not have food pantries or soup kitchens. They were to help their neighbor by leaving food in their fields.
The second part tells us things not to do to live Godly lives. Don’t cheat, lie, rob or the one I thought was interesting: “Do not put something in front of the blind so as to make them stumble over it.” That one I have never even thought of doing but some of the things on that long list I must confess I have done. I will also admit that doing those things never made me feel good.
There are lots of don’t do’s on the list but verse 19 gives us one simple do: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” And when I am showing love I feel good. I have found through the years that God is really smart and when I am doing his will, I feel really, really good. I just need to be smart enough to remember that.
Questions for Reflection:
- As you look through the list of don’t do’s are there any that make you feel good when doing them?
- How do you feel when you are showing love to your neighbor?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thanks for always being there for us. Please help us put a smile on your face for the good we do. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen
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