PROVIDING FOR THE POOREST IN MODERN INDIA
The state government of Rajasthan, India, has provided benefits for its poorest citizens during the pandemic. They have paid benefits to more than 14,000 orphans and widows of COVID-19. The expenditures, which began in June of last year, have exceeded one billion rupees (nearly $14 million USD). The government has provided both one-time and monthly payments to these orphans, promising to continue until they reach the age of 18. Free education through grade 12 has been provided to these children, along with a monthly pension for the widows. Help is also available to the homeless of the state, as well, including those out in the villages. “As [many] such people are unaware about the facilities including free stay, free food and medical aid,” said judge Dinesh Kumar Gupta, “we will create awareness about the program and its benefits.”
PROVIDING FOR THE POOREST IN ANCIENT ISRAEL
Landowners and farmers in Old Testament Israel were instructed to provide for the poorest among them, as well. Their fields weren’t to be scrupulously reaped, nor were their orchards to be utterly harvested. The extras were to be left for the poor, including widows, orphans, and those not even from among God’s people. Generosity was built right in to their daily rhythms.
Questions
- How is the government intervention in Rajasthan similar to what you have seen from your local or national government during COVID-19? How does it differ?
- How have you seen the Church rising up to help those affected by COVID?
- What can we learn about the character of God from the instructions He gave about leaving part of the harvest for the poor, the fatherless, the widow, and the foreigner?
