Continuing our consideration of being set free from slavery to serve God and our fellow man, today we look at Deuteronomy chapter 24. God challenges us to have compassion on those who cannot look after themselves, considering our former lives as slaves (to sin). He repeatedly mentions “widows, orphans, and aliens” in these admonitions. By “aliens” I’m confident He’s not thinking about extraterrestrials, but rather those foreign to the community of faith.

I also believe He would include in the “widows” category “single parents” who struggle to maintain a decent job and care for at-home children and, in some cases, their own parents! 21st Century “Widows” in this sense struggle also with loneliness and relational issues that simply need our love and support.

Do I have the solution for these difficult situations? No, but God does have grace to “supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). He will supply that grace often through His people, of course, motivated and empowered by His Spirit. We as Jesus people must first surrender every aspect of life to His absolute sovereignty and then “show up for service” each day (Romans 12:1).

Friends, I’d love to have a conversation with you about what we’ve considered the last two weeks and how it might impact your life. PM me if you’d like. Blessings to you all!

Here’s the link to the updated (and expanded!) notes:https://docs.google.com/document/d/16AoJrGxkb3phWQo3fFd-Lux3QbcswkGmpbGsUr-wgts/edit?usp=sharing