The Days of Robin Hood

Friday morning I sat on the edge of the bed to pray before starting my day. My thoughts went to those who are poor and destitute – especially dads who can't find a job, and struggle with feelings of self-worth because they can’t provide for their families. Families who suffer from poor nutrition because they can’t afford to buy food. Families who can’t afford dental care or doctor visits.

For those with houses falling apart, who are stuck in poor living conditions. For those who struggle to stay warm because they can’t afford to buy fuel or pay their electric bill.

Children who are bullied and mocked at school because they don’t have nice clothes to wear. Children who go to school hungry, and have a difficult time learning because their stomachs growl. Children who go to bed hungry because Mom couldn’t buy enough groceries to prepare an adequate evening meal.

Scenes from the cartoon movie Robin Hood come to mind: the oppressed of the land—those who are most affected by economic conditions created by heavy-handed government taxation and regulations that stifle business initiatives and jobs.

And I cried. I cried for those who have been forgotten and marginalized, relegated to the trash heap of unimportance.

As I stood in the shower and thanked God for my soothing hot water, I prayed for those who don’t have my comforts, and for those who don’t wish to be homeless, but long for a home to call their own. I prayed that in America’s days to come, good jobs will be created, tax burdens will be lifted, and empty stomachs will be filled.

Let us pray to that end. Let us personally ask God to lead us to someone we can help each day, even if just in a small way, whether it’s sharing our money, food, clothing, whatever. We must demonstrate love by what we do. The members of the Body of Christ can and must make a difference, beginning with a next-door neighbor who may be in need. With each one of us praying and doing our part as God brings people across our path day to day, we will make a difference in the lives of those who hurt. People need that personal touch, that kind word of encouragement that accompanies a monetary gift, a loaf of bread, a coupon, a gift card, or an invitation to dinner. There are so many ways your heart and hands can help someone else.

“’For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?

And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’” Matthew 25:35-40 (NKJ)

Let’s take personal responsibility, link arms, and be the people of God He has called us to be!

Copyright © 2016 Elaine Beachy