RELIEF!

RELIEF!

Acts 11:27-30 KJV

27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

          What we now call entitlement programs used to be called welfare but when I was a kid my folks called it “relief” as in: “so and so is on relief!” It was then a temporary measure and not a lifestyle. It was a shame to be “on relief” because it indicated failure or very bad luck. Relief was a crutch and not a Cadillac; a help up and not a hand out!

          I can remember when, in the fifties, Daddy was out of work and we received “commodities” from the government. Mom and Dad were devastated! Having lived through the depression they felt ashamed because of their strong work ethic. Every morning they would clean up and put on their best clothes, Mom would fix her hair and put on lipstick, and they would leave us kids to care for ourselves while they searched for employment. Every evening they would come home tired, disheveled and full of sadness. I remember the government lady coming to the house and bringing marvelous things like peanut butter and powdered milk and powdered eggs. There is only one way to cook powdered eggs! It was a sad time because we were “on relief.”

          Interestingly enough the word “relief” as it is used in our scripture is only found once in all the Bible and it is the Greek word diakonia which forms the basis of our word deacon. The gentile believers in Antioch had received word that there would be a great dearth, or lack of supplies, throughout all the world. Each man, as he was able, decided to send relief to their Jewish brethren in Judaea. Barnabas and Saul would carry the money and supplies. It was a sad time because the Jews were “on relief.”

Lev 25:35 KJV

35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.

Isa 1:17 KJV

17 Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.

Dear Lord, let me relieve those who truly need to be relieved. AMEN