Words from the Weary Wilderness - Lenten Journey Day 33
posted on March 31
Day Thirty-Three Friday, April 8
Fair Agricultural Practices
Read: Deuteronomy 24:19-22
19 When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be left for the alien, the orphan, and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all your undertakings. 20 When you beat your olive trees, do not strip what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow.
21 When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, do not glean what is left; it shall be for the alien, the orphan, and the widow. 22 Remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I am commanding you to do this.
Today’s Word from the Weary Wilderness: It shall be left for the alien, the orphan, and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all your undertakings. (Deuteronomy 24:19:b)
Reflection: As we continue in this chapter, we move to the fields and learn the principles of gleaning. Gleaning is mentioned often in the Old Testament and becomes the backdrop for many stories, including the story of Ruth. This biblical principle can still practiced in loving ways today. With whom can you share food from your garden? How can you share groceries that you might be able to purchase in large quantities, or BOGO (buy one get one free)? Is there a food pantry near you that you regularly support? Perhaps you can become a generous soul upon which your local pantry can depend for a certain item. You will be blessed “in all your undertakings.” That is a mighty biblical promise!
Prayer: God of the Weary Wilderness, we learn the ancient lessons of sharing food as we read this passage. While many of us do not have fields to leave for gleaning, we do have resources to share and mechanisms in our own churches and communities to bring these principles alive right now. Continue to encourage us to share from our abundance, and bless us with joy as we do so. Amen.
Blessings of Peace and Health,
Bev
Rev. Beverly B. Coppley
District Superintendent
& Chief Missional Strategist
