10 Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,
11 for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.
Remember the old gospel song, "His Eye is on the Sparrow"? I always enjoyed (I know I am dating myself here; I heard it as a child) hearing Ethel Waters sing this song as a part of the Billy Graham crusades on television, but I could not find as good a quality version of her singing as I'd hoped, to share with you. But, if you've not heard it before, here she is:
Wasn't she precious? Did you know that in His word, God made special provisions for the fatherless, and for those truly destitute? You need to first understand a little of the culture of the ancient Mid East . . .
When a woman of that era lost her husband, she was a bit of a "non-person" after that. It seems harsh now when we consider it, but that is the way it was. Soon the creditors would come knocking, and bills would need to be paid. Without her husband/bread winner, she would be truly alone, a "widow indeed,"and it wouldn't be long before the property (farmland, vineyards, workshop) that had provided for her and any children, would have to be sold. God's Word made plans for any who was related to the widow, to come forward and be a "kinsman redeemer," to pay the debt. (In Leviticus chapter 25 we see the process where the redeemer could preserve the property for a man in debt, or for a widow. Boaz did this for Naomi, in the book of Ruth.)
So, here you have a picture of a person, or people, who are helpless. And you see, too, that there is someone who is involved, and caring, and mighty to save. I hope you have time to look up these verses, either now or later:
Deuteronomy 10:18
Psalm 10:14
Psalm 146:9
Not only should this remind us to keep a special place in our hearts for the fatherless, and to help them when we our blessings will allow it --- but doesn't it remind us of our great Redeemer? The One who gave His all to save us? And just as the song says, He doesn't miss a thing.
"His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me."
He truly cares for you.
I also remember listening to Ethel Waters on TV with Billy Graham. The song is so simple, yet so very powerful. Just to know how very much our Father loves us...when I walk in the morning I see the sparrows, swallows, red winged blackbirds, and many more.. As I listen to them sing, I am reminded our our Father's love for his world.
ReplyDeleteAt school often my students are from home with a single mother, divorced parents, or numerous males in and out of the homes. I pray for these students daily--to meet their emotional and academic needs. And most of all to let them know I care.
When I hear this song, or someone mentions it, I always remember a talented lady in my former church who sang it. Her mother had just passed away, and she stood in front of the entire congregation singing...
ReplyDelete"Why should I feel discouraged?....I sing because I'm happy. I sing because I'm free. For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me" It was very powerful.
There are still those today who wind up in dire circumstances due to the death of a spouse. So many turn their heads believing that it's not their problem. It's very sad, but we all must do what we can to help someone like that.