Hebrews 11:37, “; they went about in skins of sheep and
goats, destitute….”
Destitute is not a choice we tend to make willingly. There
is a badge of shame attached, even if we become victims of fraud or scams or
embezzlements due to organizations and policies far beyond our control, or
sometimes even knowledge.
The attitude towards the homeless in our midst ranges from
sorrow to derision, and our actions from compassion to rejection. We cringe
when our financial circumstances shrinks drawing us closer to their circumstances.
Complete destitution goes beyond financial security though
to encompass emotional, spiritual, and relational connections as well. So we
naturally resist.
In Jewish history there are stories of a national group who
rose up against Antiochus Epiphanes, a king, who came to power in a time
between the prophets, and sought to abolish all Jewish worship. When Mattathias,
an aged priest residing in Modein, saw the blasphemies being committed, he
first mourned in sackcloth. When
the kind’s officers began to enforce the apostasy, he outright refused to bow
to the king’s commandments and abandon the covenant of their ancestors.
“Then he and his sons
fled to the hills and left all that they had in the town. At that time many who
were seeking righteousness and justice went down to the wilderness to live
there.”
In order to remain completely faithful to God, they were
willing to give up everything immediately. A desire for righteousness superseded
all other concerns.
If asked to willingly become destitute, I think there is a
part of me that would be asking, “Can I still keep this?”
Lord, please clean our hearts to desire Your words, Your
ways above all else—even if that requires a wilderness lifestyle dependant solely
on You.
Psalm of Worship: Psalm 86:1-3
“Incline Thy ear, O Lord, and answer me; For I am afflicted
and needy.
Do preserve my soul, for I am a godly man;
O Thou my God, save Thy servant who trusts in Thee.
Be gracious to me, O Lord, For to Thee I cry all day long.”
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