In what ways can we "meet the fugitives with bread" in modern times? The Verse in Focus “Bring water for the thirsty, O inhabitants of the land of Tema; meet the fugitives with bread.” – Isaiah 21:14 Historical Snapshot • Tema, an oasis community, heard that war-weary refugees were crossing the desert. • God’s charge was not abstract; the faithful were to show tangible, literal hospitality—actual water, actual bread. • The same God who inspired Isaiah still expects obedience in caring for people in crisis today. Timeless Principle Literal, physical care for displaced people is a non-negotiable expression of covenant faithfulness. Scripture repeatedly affirms this: • “For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat… I was a stranger and you took Me in” (Matthew 25:35). • “Share with the saints who are in need; practice hospitality” (Romans 12:13). • “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food… what good is it?” (James 2:15-16). • “You are to love the foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt” (Deuteronomy 10:19). Modern-Day Applications: Meeting the Fugitives with Bread Practical, hands-on ways believers can live out Isaiah 21:14 today: 1. Provide Immediate Necessities • Stock local food banks with shelf-stable items that meet cultural dietary needs of refugee communities. • Partner with churches near border crossings or resettlement hubs to fund bottled water, hygiene kits, and baby supplies. • Keep “go-bags” in church closets containing blankets, protein bars, and NT Bibles in multiple languages for rapid distribution. 2. Offer Safe, Welcoming Spaces • Open church basements or fellowship halls for temporary shelter during severe weather or sudden influxes. • Train volunteer teams in trauma-informed childcare so parents can attend legal or medical appointments. • Host weekly “community meals” where newcomers and long-time members share a table as equals. 3. Support Long-Term Resettlement • Mentor families through apartment searches, school enrollment, and job applications. • Provide transportation to doctor visits or government interviews. • Coordinate ESL classes, citizenship tutoring, and résumé workshops on church property. 4. Engage Financially • Tithe intentionally toward established, accountable refugee ministries (e.g., Samaritan’s Purse, World Relief). • Create a benevolence fund earmarked for rent assistance and utility deposits for displaced families. • Sponsor micro-enterprise grants enabling refugees to launch small businesses. 5. Use Professional Skills • Medical professionals can volunteer at pop-up clinics; attorneys can offer pro-bono immigration help. • Tradespeople can repair donated housing or teach marketable skills such as carpentry and sewing. • Teachers can tutor children who have lost months of schooling. 6. Advocate with Grace and Truth • Write informed letters to officials urging policies that protect persecuted believers and other vulnerable groups (Proverbs 31:8-9). • Counter misinformation by sharing documented facts about refugee screening and contributions. • Encourage fair hiring practices within Christian-owned businesses. 7. Mobilize Prayer-Infused Hospitality • While action is essential, saturate every effort in intercession for safety, salvation, and restoration (Ephesians 6:18). • Invite refugees into worship services conducted in their heart language whenever possible. Heart Attitudes That Fuel the Action • Compassion: “He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34). • Generosity: “A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor” (Proverbs 22:9). • Humility: Remembering that believers are “aliens and strangers on earth” (Hebrews 11:13). • Stewardship: Viewing resources as God’s, entrusted for Kingdom purposes (Psalm 24:1). Promises for Obedience • “Whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25). • “Give, and it will be given to you… For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38). • The ultimate commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Closing Encouragement Meeting fugitives with bread today is as literal and urgent as it was for Tema. God has strategically placed His people in every city, town, and countryside—not to observe suffering from a distance, but to break real bread, pour real water, and display the real gospel in action. |
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