Theme: CHRISTIANITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE
Text: “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. 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.” – Leviticus 19:9,10.
Comment: God Almighty so regulates the life of His children to ensure fairness and justice that if we keep His word our standards would be higher than the nations among whom we dwell. The prophet Moses declared: “…Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people…” – Deuteronomy 4:5-8.
Knowing that not everybody would have land to farm upon, that some would be visitors or strangers in the land while some who even have land may have had bad harvests, God made provisions for them to still get produce from left-overs in the harvests in other people’s farms. This is to ensure fairness in distribution of resources in society. “As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.” (2 Corinthians 8:15) It is noteworthy that the provision for gleaners takes care of the needy without one knowing who the person is. This is in line with the liberality of the Almighty God Who makes the sun to shine on all persons without discrimination. (Matthew 5:43-48) If only man can submit himself to keeping the instructions of God, then his life will be peaceful and joyful by God’s grace no matter what the devil is doing. – Philippians 2:15.