Today's readings are Deuteronomy 1.37-2.15 http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Deut.+1.37-2.15 and Matthew 6.1-15 http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matt.+6.1-15
A major news story these days is a financial crisis. The banking industry has overextended itself making risky loans. Many of the people who took on these loans were not prepared for the changes in interest rates which could occur. When interest rates rose an increasing number of people defaulted on loans, ending up owing too much money on houses which had been overvalued when they purchased them and which were now worth less than they owed. Borrowers can't pay their debts, lenders can't collect their debts, and the collateral they have on the debts is not worth the amount of the loan. It's a bad situation.
What does this have to do with the Scripture we read today? Rather a lot. While our federal government has been debating how much aid to give the financial sector and whether or not the borrowers who are in over their heads should receive assistance, we look at the way Israel conducted itself in treacherous waters. Were the people to swarm over the lands they passed through, taking what they wanted? No, on the contrary, they were to pay their way. God's people are to be a blessing to those around them. And governments appointed by God are likewise to be a blessing, not a curse, to those around them. Does a product or service cost money? A government, like an individual, should pay for that product or service. Are there economic difficulties in an area? How would a wise individual deal with them? How would a government deal with them?
When we turn our attention to Matthew 6 we see something more personal, more focused on the individual. How are we to give assistance? We give quietly so as to help the person receiving assistance but not to make a big deal of it. And we give in thankful trust in our Lord and Savior, knowing that he is the source of all the blessing we are able to deliver to anyone.
What does this say about the financial crisis our nation is talking about? It doesn't give an answer, that's certain. But it does lay out three very important principles. First, government is to engage in its affairs in a responsible way which does not bring harm. Second, people help people best when they do it in the simplest way possible. Finally, all our supply comes from God, two whom we return thanks.
As the Lord enables us to share his blessing with others, may we take that opportunity and give him praise.
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