“Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless.”

I’ve always liked this verse and the one after it. I appreciate the picture of a God who looks after those who are unable to look after themselves. It’s a great picture of God and a wonderful example for us. It is especially pertinent at this time of year. With the holidays coming up, I often think about those who lack the ability to enjoy them the way most of us do. I have friends who are collecting coats for schoolchildren whose families are unable to provide one in these cold days. I have others who are putting together meals for those without the ability to do that as well. I live next to a couple of schools with very high free and reduced lunch populations—one that is at 100%. It is easy to forget about those who are radically less fortunate than most of us. And easy to find them. This season, and this passage from Solomon, are a great reminder and challenge for us to reflect our Father in these times. Solomon goes beyond just meeting needs in this passage and actually talks about people trying to steal from the vulnerable—almost unimaginable. I have a good friend who is an emergency room physician. He does some shifts at a very poor rural hospital where he’s been known to keep blankets to hand out to patients as they leave, to help them fight the cold. Another carries $50 bills in his pocket to hand out as he encounters people who are obviously in need. I’m blessed and challenged by these people who all do it in the name of their Savior. Today, consider how you can reflect God to a lost, hurting, and needy world. #BeTheEdge

“‘The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”’” —Jesus