From Deuteronomy to James orphans are mentioned sixty times. They are one of God’s great and constant concerns. He even defines Himself by His promise to them:
“Father of the fatherless, a defender of widows,
Is God in His holy habitation.
God sets the solitary in families;
He brings out those who are bound into prosperity;
But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.” Psalm 68:5-6
Are we concerned about the same things God is? He is concerned with the fatherless, are we?
Jesus, as he did the work of the Father, was drawn in compassion to the needs of those around him. His heart was stirred and he acted. Is this true for us?
It isn’t easy. Our compassion can be locked up tight by fear; fear of change, fear of the unknown, fear of our own shortcomings, of moving out of the comfortable place we are in. What adventures in the kingdom of God is fear robbing you of? In 2 Timothy we are told not to have a spirit of fear but to go boldly out proclaiming God’s word, boldly being His hands and feet bringing hope and blessing to those in need. When you follow Jesus through the fear, when you trust Him, not only will you minister to others as you never have before, you will grow closer to Him and stronger in your faith.
James 1:27 does not say, when it’s convenient, look after orphans, or when it fits the budget look after orphans, or if it’s no trouble look after orphans. It says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” No caveats, no ifs or buts. Just a command.
This was written by our Caroline's Promise South Carolina director, Rebecca Moore. Here she is with her family.
“Father of the fatherless, a defender of widows,
Is God in His holy habitation.
God sets the solitary in families;
He brings out those who are bound into prosperity;
But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.” Psalm 68:5-6
Are we concerned about the same things God is? He is concerned with the fatherless, are we?
Jesus, as he did the work of the Father, was drawn in compassion to the needs of those around him. His heart was stirred and he acted. Is this true for us?
It isn’t easy. Our compassion can be locked up tight by fear; fear of change, fear of the unknown, fear of our own shortcomings, of moving out of the comfortable place we are in. What adventures in the kingdom of God is fear robbing you of? In 2 Timothy we are told not to have a spirit of fear but to go boldly out proclaiming God’s word, boldly being His hands and feet bringing hope and blessing to those in need. When you follow Jesus through the fear, when you trust Him, not only will you minister to others as you never have before, you will grow closer to Him and stronger in your faith.
James 1:27 does not say, when it’s convenient, look after orphans, or when it fits the budget look after orphans, or if it’s no trouble look after orphans. It says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” No caveats, no ifs or buts. Just a command.
This was written by our Caroline's Promise South Carolina director, Rebecca Moore. Here she is with her family.
