“I was a father to the poor, and I searched out the case that I did not know.” – Job 29:16 

Scripture reading: Matthew 25:34-40

Sometimes it is easy to throw money at a problem. A father may say, “I’ve provided everything you need, why are you not behaving well?” But is that what the child needs most? No, he needs financial support, but he also needs loving care, time, advice and teaching. These things all require time, lots of time.

Job was a father to the poor. He knew a true father was not one who was merely the source of biological life, but one who took the time to raise that child, watch out for his welfare and give good advice.

But he went further! He searched out the case when his children were being abused. Yes, he was a busy man with all the business he had. He had his own wife and biological children to care for, but yet he took time to search out a case for the underprivileged. He investigated unfair treatment of the poor. Then he could help if one needed help. Of course he would rebuke the child who was lazy. The point was, he took time.

As a child of Christ, you too must honour him by caring for His children. And the Lord of the kingdom expects you to take the time to do so. He knows throwing money at a problem rarely solves it. He knows delegating your personal duties is wrong. He wants you to get personally involved with helping His children in and out of the home.

Suggestions for prayer

Pray that you will learn to search out opportunities to serve the Lord by serving His children and that you will join with others to do so.

Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.