Devotion: “Attaching Yourself to the Lord”
Scripture Reading:
“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.”
— Proverbs 19:17 (KJV)
Personal Reflection:
God’s Word gives us a startling picture: when you show mercy to the poor, you are lending to the Lord. The Hebrew word for “pity” means to be gracious, compassionate, and to give mercifully. It even carries the sense of grieving for or entreating on behalf of another. This is more than tossing coins in a cup—it’s entering into the heart of God for those who are afflicted and lowly.
The promise attached to this verse is profound: when you give to the poor, you are attaching yourself to God Himself. The Hebrew nuance of “lend” includes the idea of joining, accompanying, or attaching yourself. To be merciful is to step into the Lord’s work, to share in His compassion, to walk with Him in the places where His heart dwells.
“He who gives to the poor, gives to Christ.” — John Calvin
This also reframes how we see “random” encounters with the poor. Scripture suggests that God creates giving situations. What if that person you see in need isn’t an interruption, but a divine appointment? What if God Himself placed them on your path so you could experience the blessing of lending to Him?
Contemplation:
Do you view opportunities to give as inconveniences or as invitations from God?
It’s easy to walk past the oppressed without seeing them. But when we ignore the poor, we miss a moment to attach ourselves to the Lord’s heart. Mercy is not a peripheral virtue; it is a reflection of God’s own nature.
Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Every time you extend mercy to the poor, you are touching Christ Himself.
Today, ask God to open your eyes to the “God-created situations” around you. They may not look dramatic. It could be a co-worker struggling quietly, a neighbor in need, or a stranger with an empty hand. Every opportunity to give is an opportunity to attach yourself to the Lord.
“Mercy to the poor is the loan God pays back with interest.” — Thomas Watson
Prayer:
Father,
Thank You for giving me opportunities to show Your mercy. Forgive me for the times I’ve passed by the poor without compassion. Open my eyes to the needs around me and let me see them as You do—not as burdens, but as blessings.
Teach me to be gracious and generous. Let my giving flow not out of guilt, but out of love for You. Lord, as I show mercy, let me attach myself to Your heart and Your work. Make my hands and my resources instruments of Your compassion.
Today and every day, help me to walk ready to give, knowing that in serving the poor, I am serving You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Today’s Challenge:
Ask God for one “God-created situation” today to show mercy to the poor. It could be financial giving, encouragement, or practical help. When you respond, remember: you are attaching yourself to the Lord and participating in His heart for the needy.
No comments:
Post a Comment