Alike Before the Lord

Daily Reading: Numbers 15

Scripture Focus: You and the sojourner shall be alike before the Lord. One law and one rule shall be for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you. (Numbers 15.15b-16)

Devotional Thought: Recently, I was a presenter for Career Day at one of our local schools. How exhausting to stand in front of 5 groups of 3rd-5th graders for 40 minutes at a time! Teachers are my heroes! I had planned an activity that required the students to stand. In the first group there was a child in a motorized wheelchair! "Oh no," I thought, "I didn't think about this possibility!" I certainly didn't want to leave this child out, but I had to do something or else those third graders would eat me alive! Thankfully, the child was able to stand up and move about, so he was able to participate in the activity. We all had a blast!

Later, I asked the principal about how his students interacted with the disabled students - "Most of the time they are very respectful and considerate." He added, "A lot depends on the attitude of the disabled student."

When God formed his people, he made provision that everyone would be treated the same. Even the foreigner who was among them was to be afforded the same consideration as the native-born Israelites. However, foreigners had to do their part by fulfilling the same laws that were demanded of the Israelites. It went both ways! Everybody was on equal footing before the Lord and in the eyes of the government.

Reflect upon this in light of refugees and immigrants (both legal and illegal) in the United States. How does this principle apply today? Remember, "It goes both ways..." and "A lot depends on the attitude of the sojourner..."

Prayer: Father, help us to see the sojourner as you see them. Grant wisdom for our government to know how to make sure we are safe while at the same time respecting the dignity and value of every person. Help all of us to remember, "It goes both ways." Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 97 Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. 101 I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. 102 I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. 103 How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. (Psalms 119:97-104)