Leviticus 19:9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. 10 And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God.
This passage of scripture teaches us the sacred truth of benevolence towards those who are less fortunate than ourselves, by making deliberate provision for their needs, according to the will of God. The instruction came in the form of a command, meaning that it was not an option, but was rather to be implemented by all those who were privileged and loaded with material blessings, including salaries and fields. Thus, as the time of harvest approached, the poor and the stranger could look forward with eager expectation to a share in God's blessings, for His benefits are intended not only for for ourselves, but for others too, and also the beasts of the field.
Those who collected wages were not exempt either, for the principle applies across the board to everyone, and therefore, a portion of our income should also be set aside for benevolent purposes, and not to be touched for any reason. Ten percent of our income is reserved as a tithe to God, and offerings are given for the upkeep of the sanctuary, but the care for the poor is another matter all together, and should not be subtracted from the local church budget, when we return our tithes and offerings.
A good example of the spirit and practice of the principle of benevolence took place in the household of Boaz, who was a wealthy man, owning fields and servants. One day after he had returned home, he observed a woman by the name of Ruth, following after his servants who were harvesting grain, and she had been gathering the gleanings of the field, after the reapers had made their pass. Boaz did not take offense to this action of hers, but instead encouraged her, and commanded his servants to deliberately let some grain fall for her, so she could have as much as she needed. In addition to this kindness, she was invited to his table, and was given the freedom to eat from the general provisions, just like the other servants and maidens. Let's read:
Ruth 2:14 And Boaz said unto her, At mealtime come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dip thy morsel in the vinegar. And she sat beside the reapers: and he reached her parched corn, and she did eat, and was sufficed, and left. 15 And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: 16 And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not. 17 So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.
In our day there are those who return a faithful tithe, but who do not return any offerings for the maintenance of the sanctuary, and in many cases, the care for the less fortunate is not even brought into the equation, for we have stacked up so many other bills and financial obligations that there is no extra room to accommodate the poor and needy. This ought not to be the case, for God does not deal with us in this manner. Instead He gives, and gives, and gives, so that all humanity might partake in His blessings, and even the animals are fed from His bounties.
Let us therefore follow the example of God, in making provision for others through deliberate choice, for it is more blessed to give than to receive. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which demonstrates the example set by God, and may we be willing and humble enough to follow where He leads the way. Let's read:
Psalm 104:1Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. 10 He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. 11 They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. 13 He watereth the hills from his chambers: the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. 14 He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; 27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season. 28 That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!