Large-Hearted Living

Leviticus 19:30-37
30 Observe My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the Lord. 31 Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God. 32 Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord. 33 When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. 34 The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God. 35 Do not use dishonest standards when measuring length, weight, or quantity. 36 Use honest scales and honest weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt. 37 Keep all My decrees and all My laws and follow them. I am the Lord.

In the book Rumors of Another World, Philip Yancey told the story of Jesse Jackson’s visit to the University of Southern Mississippi.

On a tour of the campus with the university president, Jackson saw a tall male student, 6-feet, 8-inches in height, holding hands with a young woman who was barely 3-feet tall. The young man tenderly picked her up and kissed her as she left for her next class. The president explained that the student was a star basketball player. Both of his parents had died in his youth and he made a vow to look after his sister. Many scholarship offers had come his way but only Southern Mississippi had offered one to his sister too.

Jackson went over to the basketball star, introduced himself, and said he appreciated that he was looking out for his sister. The athlete shrugged and said, “Those of us who God makes 6' 8" have to look out for those He makes 3' 3".”

This basketball player spoke kingdom words. It has always been God’s plan for those with power to watch over those who are weak, those with resources to care for those who have none. It has always been God’s way for His people to rise above the cultural consensus that allows people to squash anyone smaller and crush anyone less capable.

In God’s instructions to Israel, He prodded them to treat a foreigner who was most likely estranged from his homeland due to slavery or calamity, as one of their own. Aliens in a strange land were usually destitute. Removed from family support and any standing within the social structure, they were often cast into dire poverty and social exile.

Amid other grave commandments dealing with heavy issues like idol worship and witchcraft, we might be tempted to pay more attention to far more weighty commands. But God says, “Take care of the ones no one else cares for.”

To Israel, a people still wincing from Egyptian bondage, He spoke a reminder one might think they wouldn’t need. “Show mercy,” He said. “Live with a large heart.” —Winn Collier

bottom line: God-size love requires a large heart.

soul journey