Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 28:1-15
Today’s Bible verse says, “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…”
The prophet, Oded, told the leaders of Samaria that is was wrong to keep the people of Judah prisoner. it was wrong for the people of Judah and Jerusalem to be held captive and it was wrong for the people of Samaria to keep them imprisoned. Oded’s message helped to free the prisoners.
Maybe helping prisoners isn’t something you can do. You don’t have to work in a prison mission program or soup kitchen or become a missionary or minister to help people. There are many ways you can help others without leaving your own neighborhood. For instance:
* Be “eyes to the blind and feet to the lame…a father to the needy…take up the case of the stranger” (Job 29:15-16).
* Open your “arms to the poor extend…hands to the needy” (Proverbs 31:20).
* “Bring water for the thirsty…” (Isaiah 21:14).
* “Share your food with the hungry…” (Isaiah 58:7).
Look in the apartments, condos, houses, and mobile homes around you. Look in the parks and on the playgrounds. If you look you will find one – and probably more than one – person you can help. Find out what kind of help that person needs, then do what you can.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to see those around me who need help. Then help me to do what I can for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.