“The LORD watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; But the way of the wicked He turns upside down.” Psalm 146:9

Beloved brothers and sisters,

Do you know why God created tails for some animals? It is, among other reasons, to help in locomotion (marine mammals and bats for example) and help to brush away flies or other pests. In my culture, this other reason is so common that I grew up hearing elders say that God himself takes care of casting away flies and pests from tailless animals. While this is literally true, it is even more true when used figuratively. Indeed, God takes particular care of the defenseless and helpless. It is as though their vulnerable situation specifically endears them to God’s heart.

Here are a few biblical verses that show how much the Lord cares for Orphans and Widows: “You shall not afflict any widow or orphan” (Exodus 22:22); “Defend the orphan, plead for the widow”(Isaiah 1:17); _“He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing” (Deuteronomy 10:18); “You are father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows” (Psalm 68:5).

Strangers form the other category of vulnerable people. As they are outside their land, they somehow depend on others for many things and thus have the Almighty’s peculiar attention. Look at what the Bible says about them: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Heb. 13:2); “Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Deut. 10:19).

My brother and my sister, how do you treat Strangers, Orphans and Widows (S.O.W)? The way you treat them can attract to you God’s mercy and blessing but it can equally make you fall in disgrace before him. When you hurt the S.O.W.s and they open their mouth and say things like “I leave you to God”, please don’t take that as a joke or a mere speech. The cry of the S.O.W.s get quick and direct attention from God who will and can do anything to vindicate them and do justice to them.

If, peradventure, you have abused S.O.Ws, please cry out to God today for mercy; make sure you apologize to the victim and, where possible, repair any wrong you did to them and the merciful God will reverse any curse that might be hanging over your life and family as a result. Amen.