The Fatherless

For Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Proverbs 23:10-11


Do not move an ancient landmark
or enter the fields of the fatherless,
for their Redeemer is strong;
he will plead their cause against you.


The wicked prey upon the weak and defenseless precisely because such prey have little risk. They have little to no influence with the powers-to-be; they have no money to "buy" justice. They have no kin - at least kin who can do anything - to stand up for them.


But such persons do have an advocate to plead their cause, an advocate who never loses his case. Their advocate is their Redeemer who buys them, thus making their property his own. The crimes committed against them are crimes committed against him.


Judgment will be rendered against all perpetrators. Almost all will experience judgment in their earthly life; all will experience complete judgment after death. It is this second death that the Redeemer said to fear the most. However terrible the lost of physical life may be, it is the casting of a soul into hell that is the great horror, a judgment from which the wicked cannot escape.


The only hope of such escape is to recognize that one is poor and an orphan. It is to acknowledge that you are the neediest of all and the most wicked of all. For to make such confession now will result not in judgment, but in being bought by your Redeemer. Confess now. Repent now. By acknowledging that you are fatherless, you will find your Father and know your Redeemer.