Levite, Stranger and Widow – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Deuteronomy 26:13 – “And thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought forth the hallowed things out of mine house, and have given them also unto the Levite, and to the stranger, and to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them.”
Development
The Word of God teaches us that it’s not enough just to contribute financially; the Lord wants our hearts, our service and our dedication in the Shrine. For God, it matters what we do today, because tomorrow may be too late. Christ’s return is imminent, and everything we have accumulated here will be left behind. What have we done for the Kingdom and for our neighbor?
THE LEVITE
The Levites were responsible for the service in the temple. Nowadays, we can compare them to workers, pastors, ministers and all those who dedicate themselves to caring for the Church. How many times have you prayed for them? Have you fasted for their lives? Have you visited them when they were sick or facing difficulties?
Often, the spiritual leader suffers in silence, carries the burden of caring for the Church, counsels, weeps and intercedes for each member, but he himself may be facing struggles, financial challenges and uncertainty about the future. As a Church, we have a responsibility to support, strengthen and sustain those who care for the Lord’s work.
THE FOREIGNER
The stranger represents those who come to church and don’t yet know the faith, those who may be lost, looking for meaning in their lives. And how often do we ignore their presence? Often, a simple smile, a warm greeting or a welcoming gesture can transform someone’s life.
Have you ever noticed someone new sitting in the church pew and gone up to them to welcome them? Have you ever asked their name, listened to their story, offered a friendly word? Have you ever invited a neighbor, a co-worker or a friend into the house of the Lord? Our role as a Church is not only to receive, but also to welcome and integrate.
THE ORPHAN
An orphan is someone who has no father or mother, who lives without support, without a family reference. And how many times do we pass by people like that without extending a hand?
There are many who need more than just words; they need practical help. Many children and young people face extreme difficulties, have nothing to eat, nothing to wear, and often grow up without love and hope. Have we interceded for them? Have we been willing to meet their needs?
James 1:27 teaches us that true religion consists of caring for orphans and widows in their afflictions. May we look at these lives with compassion and act according to God’s heart.
THE WIDOW
The widow, in the biblical context, represents someone who has suffered a great loss, who faces loneliness, who needs support. But in today’s world, it’s not just women who have lost their husbands; there are many people who experience the pain of a separation, a child involved in drugs, a broken home.
How often do we worry about these people? How often do we reach out to those who are suffering? Often, all they need is a word of comfort, a prayer, a sincere hug. We need to remember that inside our doors there are people in need of our love. They are part of our spiritual family, and God calls us to be instruments of blessing in their lives.
Conclusion
And then, when we stand before the Lord, what will we say? The year isn’t over yet. There is time to do more, to serve better, to love more intensely.
Jesus gave his life for us, not just so that we could be saved, but so that we could live in a way worthy of the calling we have received. May we reflect: have we done enough for the Kingdom of God?
The opportunity is before us. What have you and I been doing in the Lord’s work? We can give more, we can give ourselves more. May we stand before God with a heart willing to serve, love and care for others, for this is the true essence of the Gospel.
Preaching Outline on Deuteronomy 26:13 – “And thou shalt say before the LORD thy God, I have brought forth the hallowed things out of mine house, and have given them also unto the Levite, and to the stranger, and to the fatherless, and to the widow, according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not transgressed thy commandments, neither have I forgotten them.”
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