Deuteronomy 22 … Consider Him Who Will Not Neglect His Own

Originally posted: 08/05/2019

Moses continues in delivering various, and seemingly severe, laws to govern the land God’s people are to possess. And before the mandates of distinctions and morality are expounded, there is a sweet departure from the severity as an endearing tenderness is expressed for the flocks and livestock of God’s people.

And I just couldn’t stop thinking about the heart of our Loving God, Who pauses to arrange for the care of lost animals. If He Will Not Neglect the lost animal, how much more will He Not Neglect His Own?

Consider Him Who Will Not Neglect His Own

All of God’s commandments are derived from His Holy character.

“You shall not see your countryman’s ox or his sheep straying away, and pay no attention to them; you shall certainly bring them back to your countryman. ² If your countryman is not near you, or if you do not know him, then you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall remain with you until your countryman looks for it; then you shall restore it to him. ³ Thus you shall do with his donkey, and you shall do the same with his garment, and you shall do likewise with anything lost by your countryman, which he has lost and you have found. You are not allowed to neglect them. ⁴ You shall not see your countryman’s donkey or his ox fallen down on the way, and pay no attention to them; you shall certainly help him to raise them up,” (22:1-4).

God’s Word tells us “a righteous man has regard for the life of his animal,” (Proverbs 12:10); how much more our righteous Heavenly Father?

• He ensured animals were to be cared for; how much more will He Not Neglect His Own?
• He ensured animals were to be helped when they had fallen; how much more will He Not Neglect His Own?
• He ensured animals were to be restored to their rightful owner; how much more will He Not Neglect His Own?
• He ensured animals were not to be neglected; how much more will He Not Neglect His Own?

“Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matthew 6:26).

How are we to respond to Him Who Will Not Neglect His Own?

Although there will be times we struggle to understand much about this life, our circumstances, and even His Word, we can always trust His perfect and righteous love.

• He ensured animals were to be cared for; how much more will He Not Neglect His Own?
  • May we never cease to be astounded by the amazing extent of His merciful care.
    • But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), ⁶ and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, (Ephesians 2:4-6).

• He ensured animals were to be helped when they had fallen; how much more will He Not Neglect His Own?
  • May we be quick to confess and receive His help when we fall.
    • If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, (1 John 1:9).

• He ensured animals were to be restored to their rightful owner; how much more will He Not Neglect His Own?
  • When we place our faith in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, He redeems us and restores us to Himself. By faith we can be assured we are secure, redeemed and restored to Him, our Rightful Owner, for all eternity.
    •  In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation—having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴ who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God’s own possession, to the praise of His glory, (Ephesians 1:13-14).

• He ensured animals were not to be neglected; how much more will He Not Neglect His Own?
  • He has promised He will never leave us or forsake us; His Own Will Never Be Neglected.
    • …for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” (Hebrews 13:5).

Oh, may we never give in to worry; for we know He Will Not Neglect His Own.

Thus says the Lord…
⁷ “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord
And whose trust is the Lord.
⁸ For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit,” (Jeremiah 17:5, 7-8).

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, ⁷ casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you, (1 Peter 5:6-7).

Let’s Grow Together!