What actions can we take to support those with a "strong Redeemer"? Opening the Text “Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong, and He will take up their case against you.” Proverbs 23:10-11 Grasping the Weight of a Strong Redeemer • Redeemer points to God acting as next-of-kin, personally defending and restoring the vulnerable (Ruth 4; Isaiah 63:16). • Strong declares His limitless power; no injustice escapes His notice. • Because He steps in, His people must mirror that same protective heart. Action Steps That Honor the Redeemer’s Advocacy • Respect property, rights, and dignity. Never exploit, manipulate, or take advantage of those who lack social power. • Defend the fatherless in legal, social, and relational settings—speak up when inheritance, schooling, or safety is threatened. • Give tangible help: food, clothing, shelter, job training, tuition, medical costs. • Offer mentoring and friendship; presence communicates worth. • Provide employment opportunities or skill coaching to break cycles of poverty. • Support and volunteer with ministries that serve widows, orphans, refugees, and abuse survivors. • Consider fostering or adopting; bring the fatherless into a covenant home. • Intercede regularly, asking the Redeemer to vindicate, protect, and supply. • Practice fair hiring, fair wages, and honest business so no one is defrauded. • Model hospitality; invite the overlooked to your table and church fellowship. • Share the gospel clearly, showing that ultimate redemption is found in Christ. Scripture Reinforcement • Jeremiah 50:34 — “Yet their Redeemer is strong; the LORD of Hosts is His name. He will vigorously plead their case…” • Psalm 68:5 — “A father of the fatherless, and a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation.” • Isaiah 1:17 — “Learn to do right; seek justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the fatherless and plead the case of the widow.” • James 1:27 — “Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” • Galatians 6:2 — “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” • 1 John 3:17-18 — “Let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.” • Matthew 25:40 — “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.” Living It Out Daily • Schedule regular budget lines for benevolence. • Set aside weekly time to mentor or tutor at-risk youth. • Keep local shelter and crisis-pregnancy center needs on your calendar. • Vet politicians and policies by their protection of the vulnerable. • Measure success not by accumulated wealth but by restored lives around you. |
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