Words from the Weary Wilderness - Lenten Journey Day 31

posted on March 31

Day Thirty-One                   Wednesday, April 6
 
You Cannot Have Financial Gain at the Expense of Someone’s Daily Needs
 
Read: Deuteronomy 24:10-13  
 
 ¹⁰ When you make your neighbor a loan of any kind, you shall not go into the house to take the pledge. ¹¹ You shall wait outside, while the person to whom you are making the loan brings the pledge out to you. ¹² If the person is poor, you shall not sleep in the garment given you as^[a] the pledge. ¹³ You shall give the pledge back by sunset, so that your neighbor may sleep in the cloak and bless you; and it will be to your credit before the Lord your God.
 
Today’s Word from the Weary Wilderness: You shall give the pledge back by sunset, so that your neighbor may sleep in the cloak and bless you; and it will be to your credit before the Lord your God. (Deuteronomy 24:13)
 
Reflection: This passage is very much about doing the right thing before God and neighbor. It illustrates respect (waiting outside instead of barging in) and compassion (making sure no one is cold at night). These are scriptures about interpersonal “business” relationships, but they are also about a just society. In what ways do you see those in debt being treated justly today? Unjustly? Do you think that in today’s business world, people are thinking about business practices that would honor God?
 
Prayer: God of the Weary Wilderness, we ask that you would prompt us to be generous neighbors and exemplary, honorable business partners You have given each of us so much. When we can share, help us share with a spirit that would honor you. And in doing so, may we help create a more just and loving world. Amen.

Blessings of Peace and Health,
Bev
 
Rev. Beverly B. Coppley
District Superintendent
& Chief Missional Strategist