New Every Morning (19.01.2026) Love That Embraces the Lowly скачать в хорошем качестве

New Every Morning (19.01.2026) Love That Embraces the Lowly

Love That Embraces the Lowly January 19 “But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work—you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your livestock, nor the foreigner who is within your gates.” Exodus 20:10 The seventh day is set apart as a special day for rest and worship. On this day, God commands us to cease from our regular work and turn our hearts toward His purposes. Scripture also outlines certain activities that were not to be done on the Sabbath: no gathering of food (Exodus 16:26), no kindling of fire (Exodus 35:3), and no collecting of firewood (Numbers 15:35). Parents, children, servants, and all members of the household were to rest alike. God did not approve of the privileged enjoying rest while compelling the less fortunate to labor. Even animals were to be given rest, for God cares for them with compassion. Consider the heart of God: “The LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the poor.” (Psalm 140:12) “For the LORD hears the needy and does not despise His captive people.” (Psalm 69:33) “He will rescue the poor who cry out, and the afflicted who have no helper. He will have compassion on the weak and the needy, and save the lives of the needy.” (Psalm 72:12–13) God continues to work in this same way even today. Sumi, a young Indian woman, worked as a domestic helper in the home of a wealthy family in a large city. She was treated harshly and punished severely even for small mistakes. Each night, Sumi poured out her heart to God in prayer. One day, a Christian woman living nearby noticed that Sumi looked sorrowful and hungry. She spoke with her and learned the truth of her suffering. With the help of the police, that woman and members of her church were able to rescue Sumi. Even today, God works through compassionate people. He sees the marginalized, the neglected, daily wage workers, and those who are treated unjustly. When we show love and mercy to such people, we become the hands of God—upholding the dignity of those He loves. The Sabbath commandment teaches us to protect the rights of the poor and the vulnerable. Through this commandment, God assures the poor and the humble: “I care about your well-being; I am concerned for everyone.” Prayer: Lord God of all humanity, grant us Your tender heart, that we may treat the weak and vulnerable with the same love and compassion You show. Amen.