Posted on by Wade McRoberts

The Vulnerable Among Us

“You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. You shall not afflict any widow or orphan. If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry; and My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.”  (Exodus 22:21-24, NASB)

The Bible portion above is part of the Mosaic Law, that which God gave to Moses.  In this passage, God reflects a portion of His perfect justice.  He wants Israel, and us, to protect, and not to oppress, the most vulnerable among us:  The stranger, the widow, and the orphan.  

The stranger:  Why should we protect him?  “For you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”  God calls us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.  We were once strangers to the Kingdom of God, but usually someone took the time to love on us and tell us about Jesus.  We should do the same, to show love to the stranger and the alien. 

James 1:26 image.  Found at Called to Prayer Ministries, https://www.calledtopeace.org/the-blessing-of-blessing-others-gods-heart-for-widows-orphans/.

The widow and the orphan:  These are among the most vulnerable among us.  In fact, God promises His retribution for those who afflict them:  “If you afflict him at all, and if he does cry out to Me, I will surely hear his cry; and My anger will be kindled, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.”

Not to mention the babies. 

God is the perfect Arbiter.  He metes out perfect justice.  Unfortunately, we’ll not see God’s justice until we get to heaven.  Too many people in the way.  God promises retribution to those who take advantage of the vulnerable.  He is just.  He is great! 

Worship:  “How Great Is Our God,” by Chris Tomlin

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