God's Heart is for the Widows and Orphans!

In the Book of Exodus and Leviticus we see all kinds of laws that God gives to His people in the Old Testament. Many of the laws that are given here in Exodus and Leviticus apply specifically to God’s people, the people of Israel in the Old Testament, under the Old Covenant. The Old Testament is specific when it comes to how we treat widows and orphans. In the New Testament we read in James 1:27, where it takes this command to a totally new level. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless, is this, not only, not to mistreat a widow or fatherless child, but to look after orphans and widows in their distress. Many are so comfortable in their homes and families and have no care, thought or concern for the widows and orphans.

Exodus 22:22 “You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.” James 1:27 “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.”

The New Testament places more emphasis and importance on taking care of both widows and orphans. God’s command to us, believers, is that “Religion that is accepted by God as pure and faultless is this – looking after.” The words ‘looking after’ literally means to take responsibility for or to care for widows and orphans in their distress. We know this command in the Old Testament dealing with widows and the fatherless children in Exodus and was not just for God’s people then. You and I have been called by God as His people to take responsibility to care for widows and to care for orphans. It is something that we should work hard and diligently towards being of service to both widows and orphans.

Marriage is an institution that is ordained by God. Out of marriage comes the family – father and mother and then the children that together they will parent. But life has a way of unveiling different situations that we must deal with and handle as mature, wise, godly stewards of God’s Word. There will be widows orphans and children born out of wedlock, children orphaned due to death of parents, etc. These are situations that God takes seriously and He also expects His children [Christians] to take seriously as well. There are many young ones in orphanages all around the country but the rest of us simply behave as if there is no need, and there is nothing for us to do to help change this situation.

God is telling us today that if we are serious about serving Him, then we need to become serious about taking care of these widows and orphans that are left in destitution and poverty simply because we have ignored the call to serve God’s children. These people are faced with circumstances that they did nothing to contribute to. They are simply victims of circumstances, but we have been sent to take care of them, find a place for them, feed them, and cause them to be comfortable and safe. Is that what we are doing or are we too content to live in the comfort of our homes, enjoying our favorite show, eating our delicious meals with no thought for those who have nothing to eat, no where to sleep or simply no one to embrace? They are neglected of being loved, sharing love and experiencing the love of humanity.