daily bible readings

God is ever so gracious and compassionate. He loves His children and wishes no harm to come to them. Time and time again, even in His anger and wrath, we see God as a compassionate God who does not let His anger smoulder forever.

The northern tribes of Israel were granted success in their war against the southern tribes of Judah. They killed 120,000 enemy soldiers in battle, impressive even by our standards today. They killed the king’s son and officials in the royal palace. They seized much plunder and took 200,000 wives, sons and daughters as prisoners of war. These women and children would have become slaves to the victors.

Through the prophet Oded (whose name may mean restorer) the Lord Almighty confronts the victorious army. “But a prophet of the Lord named Oded was there, and he went out to meet the army when it returned to Samaria. He said to them, “Because the Lord, the God of your fathers, was angry with Judah, he gave them into your hand. But you have slaughtered them in a rage that reaches to heaven. 10 And now you intend to make the men and women of Judah and Jerusalem your slaves. But aren’t you also guilty of sins against the Lord your God? 11 Now listen to me! Send back your fellow countrymen you have taken as prisoners, for the Lord’s fierce anger rests on you.” 2 Chronicles 28:9–11.

The army relented and sought to make right their wrong. “So the soldiers gave up the prisoners and plunder in the presence of the officials and all the assembly. 15 The men designated by name took the prisoners, and from the plunder they clothed all who were naked. They provided them with clothes and sandals, food and drink, and healing balm. All those who were weak they put on donkeys. So they took them back to their fellow countrymen at Jericho, the City of Palms, and returned to Samaria.” 2 Chronicles 28:14–15.

We see clearly in this narrative the compassion and concern of Yahweh for the helpless and the victimised. He does not want the wives, sons and daughters taken as slaves and put into subjection to other gods. He finds no joy in the victor abusing their God-given victory and going too far. He delights in showing compassion and mercy to the down trodden, the widows and orphans.

This portrait of God helps us to understand the commands and laws in the Old Testament that sought to protect the poor and needy and to show compassion and mercy to those really in need. It also helps us to understand the calling of the NT Church to be compassionate and loving as Jesus Himself was.

God’s people, whether in the Old Testament or the New Testament, are to be compassionate, sympathetic and loving towards those who are needy. We are to care for the poor, the sick, the orphans and widows because our God is a God of love, concern and compassion. Our character reflects the character of our God and Saviour.

James 1:27 is as true and relevant today as it was when it was written. “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 God rescued the women and children who were taken as prisoners of war. God has proven Himself time and time again to be loving and compassionate. The church is to rescue widows, orphans and the needy from poverty, from war, from the abortion list, from euthanasia and any other ills that may befall them. As the world grows darker and as the love of many grows cold, the church will have to step up and show even more love and compassion.

Prayer: 

Adoration:

• · Adore God that He is slow to anger and abounding in love, compassion and forgiveness.

Confession:

• Take time to confess your sins to the Lord and to ask for His forgiveness.

Thanks:

• Thank God that as a believer in Jesus Christ, you can show the compassion and love of God to everyone in your sphere of influence.

Supplication:

• Pray that your church would be increasingly generous so that the church can reach out and compassionately support more and more people.

Discussion Questions

1. Why did God rescue the women and children from the Israelites?
2. What compassion and charity ministries does your church offer? How is God blessing these ministries?