Deuteronomy 23:24–25 (ESV): “24 “If you go into your neighbor’s vineyard, you may eat your fill of grapes, as many as you wish, but you shall not put any in your bag. 25 If you go into your neighbor’s standing grain, you may pluck the ears with your hand, but you shall not put a sickle to your neighbor’s standing grain.”
Everything you have is the Lord’s! He may choose to allow others to benefit from the fruit He has given you. Never forget that He has given you what you have to be a blessing to others.
In ancient Israel, people were allowed to glean from the fields of their “neighbors.” It wasn't a license to harvest from a field that didn't belong to them but they could pluck some grapes or grain for immediate consumption. When Jesus and his disciples were accused of harvesting grain on the Sabbath (Lk 6), they were operating under this law. God is Jehovah Jireh, which means, “The Lord will provide.” He does so in many ways, including the generosity of His children.
What do you possess that doesn’t belong to God? You can know by simply examining what you are unwilling to give up if He requires it of you. The owners of the vineyards and fields were required to allow people to take what belonged to them. Are you willing to allow the Lord to use you in this way? Don’t allow your possessions to possess you. They are tools that God has given you to bring glory to His name. Be generous in the ways God leads you. Amen?
Father, keep our hearts soft and occupied by You alone. Feel free to use everything that You’ve entrusted us with for Your glory. It’s all Yours and help us to never forget it, in Jesus' name, amen.
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