When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands” (Deuteronomy 24:19).
As I began to search commentaries and deal with my own experiences, I came to at least two conclusions. First, I observed an overwhelming contrast between Old Testament widows and 21st century ones. Second, God was and continues to be with widows, helping ease the dilemmas they face.
We look this week at “Widows and Deuteronomy.”God set in motion a plan to keep widows from devastating poverty. Leviticus 19:9 also mentions these Jewish laws. Today’s verse starts first with the harvest and gives the promise of God’s blessing upon people’s labors if they obeyed. It was also on God’s mind that we do what we can to show love and concern for widows today.
My mind drifts back to the summer of 2005 just months after my husband’s passing. I attended our state’s women’s retreat. Surrounded by my sisters in Christ, I will always remember one of the women, who had been a widow for several years, coming over to speak with me. I will never forget her timely words. “God has not brought you this far to abandon you now. Hold tighter to His hand. He will see you through the rest of your journey.” Do you know widows who could use that kind of encouragement?
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray encouragement for widows, specifically missionary widows who have served with FWBIM. Why not send a card or email today?
