Caring For the Weak

2 Samual 12:2-3  The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds; but the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own morsel, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.

When I read this text I was moved that the poor man cared for the little ewe lamb and nothing is said of the rich man except that he had many flocks and herds.

If being poor makes me more appreciative of what I have then I’d rather be poor than rich.  I’d rather be known as a sensitive, caring individual than being rich and heartless.

It’s not true that all wealthy individuals are uncaring, but wealth can create the tendency to care more for one’s own welfare than the welfare of others.

First, we see that the poor man bought the little lamb.  Being poor he could probably ill afford such a purchase.  The purchase meant a great deal to him.  Jesus was so poor, he had no place to lay His head, yet He purchased me and you by sacrificing Himself on the cross of Calvary.  He gave everything He had to offer.

The man’s lamb was considered a family member.  You and I are members of “The Family of God” and as we grow in the Lord, we grow together – sharing with one another in all that the Lord provides for us.

The little lamb had its own food, drank from the cup of its owner, rested in its owner’s bosom and was considered as a daughter of her owner.

The Lord feeds us, refreshes us with the “water of the word,” provides us with a warm place of safety and rest, and treats us as a family member.

How much more could we ask?