“The Law Showed Jehovah Cares About the Poor” (10 min.)
It is not wrong to work hard for a living, as long as the workers receive a fair wage. A certain biblical writer put it this way: "I have come to know that there is nothing better than [...] rejoicing [...] and also that every man eats and really drinks and sees good for all his hard work. gift of God (Ecclesiastes 3: 12,13).
However, we have seen that the global economic system demands hard work, but often does not pay workers as they deserve. Many are still poor and have to fight day by day to survive.
For this reason, they rarely have the courage to "rejoice" and see "good for all their hard work." While the world has reached extraordinary levels of wealth, it is possible that up to half of the world's population is not benefiting from that abundance.
On the contrary, under the Mosaic Law ... in ancient times, the people of Israel, while obedient, there was no poverty, Jehovah was interested in them and did what was necessary so that the poor and those who had no inheritance lacked nothing.
Deuteronomy 14: 28,29
"Every three years you must bring a tenth of your production for that year and deposit it within your cities"
29 Then the Levite - who has no part or inheritance with you -, the foreign resident, the fatherless and the Widow who are within your cities will come and eat until they are satisfied, so that Jehovah your God will bless you in everything you do .
The tithe you are talking about here was very different from what was contributed to the expenses for worship and the Levitical priesthood. This was a second Tithe, what the Israelites used for expenses when attending their assemblies. Towards the end of every third and sixth year of the seven-year sabbatical cycle, this tithe was set aside for the Levites, alien residents, widows, and orphans ... Not only that, in support of the poor, every 7 years a "Debt Release" was carried out.
Deuteronomy 15: 1-3
"Every seven years you must grant a Debt Release"
2 that Liberation will be done as follows. Each creditor will release the debt he owes to his neighbor. You should not demand payment from your neighbor or brother, because the release of debts will have been proclaimed in honor of Jehovah. 3 may demand payment from the foreigner, but you must release your brother from whatever he owes you.
The sabbatical year was called the "year of liberation." During this year the Earth was left uncultivated and thus enjoyed a complete rest or Liberation. (Ex 23:11) There also had to be a rest Liberation from debts in the that had been incurred. It was a "deliverance to Jehovah" in his honor.
Similarly, when the Israelites who had sold themselves into slavery reached their seventh year of slavery, their master had to free them and give them a gift.
Deuteronomy 15: 12-14
"If you have been sold one of your brothers - a Hebrew, a Hebrew - and he has served you for 7 years, then in the seventh year you must release him"
13 And when you release him, don't let him walk away empty-handed. 14 You must give him generously from your flock, your land, and your press of oil and wine. You must give Jehovah your God in the same proportion that he has blessed you. "
If you notice, the text specifies that the slaves that were freed and given provisions or gifts, it was only Hebrew slaves. This deal was only for them, not for foreign slaves.
So how we notice in the cited texts, That was the feeling of Jehovah for the Israelites, he put it as law, because he was interested in the poor or needy ... He felt compassion for them.
And Jehovah's point of view has not changed. For him, every human being has a lot of value and deserves personal attention. Therefore, he invites people of all economic levels to learn from him and be his friends.
ASK YOURSELF: "How do I show that I care for siblings in need?"
As Jehovah's Witnesses, As a group, we have demonstrated in many ways that we care for each other, we are part of a brotherhood that is identified by true love, and there is no doubt about this, it was demonstrated last year under the pandemic and continues to show in imitation of our God that we care for those in need.
That has been as a group, but individually ... did we do our part?
Are we on the lookout to give help when a brother is in need?
Very soon, through the kingdom of God, it will be possible for all human beings to have happy days, without the threat of poverty. To enjoy prosperity, neither a great inheritance nor good business contacts nor business acumen will be necessary.
Now, what guarantee do we have that these changes will take place?
Jesus highlighted an important fact: that our loving Creator will give righteous human beings the opportunity to live life as he wishes. At that time, Jehovah will shower mankind with blessings, one of which will be: finally ending the financial problems that overwhelm so many people today.
Alluding to Jesus in his role as ruler, the Bible prophesies PSALM 72: 12-14
because he will rescue the poor who cry out for help, also the humble and everyone who has no one to help him.
3 He will have compassion on the humble and the poor, and will save their lives for the poor.
14 he will rescue them from oppression and violence, and their blood will be precious in his eyes.
What a privilege it is to be part of this religious organization, where all of us who practice make up a brotherhood in which no one is discriminated against because of their economic situation. Rather, we take care of each other and cheer each other up when we go through tough times.
Let us therefore continue to imitate our Jehovah who is genuinely interested in those in need.
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