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Deuteronomy 15:11

¹¹For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, 'You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.'

Jesus quoted the first sentence of this verse during the last days of His ministry. It was after the woman anointed Him with the expensive ointment. Judas complained that it should have been sold and the money given to the poor. But Jesus explained that it was done to prepare His body for burial and the woman's act of worship would be forever remembered (John 12:3-8).

The fascinating thing is that a few verses earlier in Deuteronomy, the text says there will be no more poor if they would strictly obey the Lord's commands. It's as if the Lord was telling them that He wanted to bless them. Obedience would bring that blessing, but He knows they will not obey.

That is really the story of man. From the beginning the Lord has wanted to bless us, but we will not obey. It was disobedience that caused this world's fallen condition, bringing with it disease and death. Where is the loving God in a world of pain and suffering? He is the One that invites us into the blessings that obedience brings and walks with us through the effects of sin, while comforting, guiding, and instructing us all the way. Our passage today tells us to be generous when we see the poor and needy. We should be generous because the Lord has been generous with us.

Consider: Stay open to God's leading. He may work through you to show He is present and cares deeply for the needy and the poor. Is the Spirit prompting you to help a needy person that you know?