“To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice” (Proverbs 21:3).
In Bible times, orphans were often treated unfairly by their oppressors. God commanded justice for them, but the wicked didn’t see justice as God did. The Living Bible states “God is more pleased when we are fair and just than when we give him gifts.” What good are sacrifices when our hearts and motives are not pure?
We find the following in 1 Samuel 15:22 “But Samuel replied: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.”
If those who mistreated the fatherless could only have caught a glimpse of God’s view of justice, maybe they would have chosen to protect, restore, and care for those “near to His heart.” Next week we will see how God used a Jewish orphan to restore His people.”
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray justice for perpetrators of human trafficking and mercy for young women worldwide (particularly female orphans) trapped within this web.
