Millions and Millions

Three adorable little boys.

There are varying numbers that float around when we talk about orphans. Most statistics now say the number is approximately 164 million "needy" children.  These are orphans, plus children who are dying of hunger related disease (about 18,000 per day), plus those suffering with HIV (about 2.1 million).

It is a big number, no doubt.  The need is overwhelming and can feel paralyzing.  Many people choose to look the other way and do nothing.  Some choose this out of pure selfishness and the "me" mentality that characterizes our "American Dream."  Others are so overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of the problem that they find themselves "almost" doing something about it.  They think and talk about it, they blog about it, they write Facebook statuses about it - but, they never actually put "feet" to it.  They "almost" make a move.  Sadly, "almost" making a difference is really the same as making no difference at all.  Especially to the needy person, who has no idea that they even crossed your mind.

Here is the real kicker to go along with the above statistics.  There are 2.1 billion people on planet Earth that call themselves Christians.  By definition that name should mean "follower of Jesus Christ."  If just 8% - take a second to let that soak in - just 8% of the people who claim to follow Christ cared for one or more children then we would not have an orphan crisis!

If you are a believer reading right now, this is HUGE.  This is life changing.  This is a BIG, BIG problem and the problem is all ours.  

Here is just a little sample of what Jesus had to say about orphans and the needy among us:

The most common verse we all hear quoted about the orphan is from the book of James, and it is powerful, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

But, there is more - much more...

Malachi says this, "And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness Against sorcerers, Against adulterers, Against perjurers, Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, And against those who turn away an alien— Because they do not fear Me,” Says the LORD of hosts."

Psalms says this, "Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy."

Proverbs,"Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy."

Deuteronomy tells us exactly how to provide for the fatherless and widow, "When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it afterward; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow."

Finally, Psalms tells us in no uncertain terms how God feels about the orphan and widow, "A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows, Is God in His holy habitation."

There is much more throughout Scripture about God's provision, both through His people and through His own supernatural care for the fatherless and the widow and the needy.  The least of these are the very heart of God.  As Casting Crowns so bluntly put it, the "lost cause" is the reason that He came. We need to remember that there was a day when we were that "lost cause." God will defend the ones we are so quick to neglect and He will judge swiftly and righteously those of us who claim to follow Him, yet choose to ignore the needs of those around us.

It is the call of the Gospel, and it should be the heart's cry of those of us who have been saved by the blood of Jesus.  How dare we, who have been given so much, be so quick and so thoughtless as to ignore it?

"For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required."

Is there even one among us who would dare to say we have not been given much?  I don't care what your station in life, those of us who live in America, work a job, drive a car, and don't worry about whether or not we will eat the next meal - have been given MUCH.  To top it off, those of us who have these things and claim to follow Christ, simply do not have a choice.

You can not read the above verses and find any way to justify non-action in this area.  Caring for the orphan, the widow (or single mom), and the needy are not choices in Scripture.  They are commands.  God did not ask us to give a cursory glance or a little extra money to the orphan crisis if we feel like it.  No, He commanded us to "defend the fatherless," "plead the cause of the poor and needy," and leave enough food in the fields for the widows to provide for themselves and their families.  These are not suggestions, they are commands of God.

Then, He follows up by promising swift judgement against those who do not fear Him in this area.  

I don't really think He's joking around about this.

Furthermore, it is time that everyone stopped trying to be so politically correct on this issue.  This is life or death - both spiritually and physically.  Children are physically dying from hunger while you read this - HUNGER.  I guarantee you that in your pantry right now (even if you "need" to go to the grocery store) is more food than many people in the world will see this year!  And the body of Christ (at least in America) is dying spiritually.  We have no idea what it means to take up our cross and follow Him.  We don't want to know.

If you are a member of the body of Christ (the Church) then you are responsible.  I am responsible.  We have the number of people necessary to stop this crisis.  What we don't have is the willingness to abandon it all for the sake of obeying Christ. 

Let's just be honest.  We like our stuff.  We like living the American Dream. We like being able to walk into the grocery store and choose between a hundred different brands of cereal. It is ridiculous. The sad thing is, it is empty.  It will never satisfy. 

When I look at those three little boys in the picture above, all I can think about is grace.  Redeeming, shameless grace.  Lavished on those who step out in faith and obey the call.  All three of those little boys were at one time included in that number of "needy" children - but, not now.  Now, they are fully accepted and loved members of a forever family.  They are beautiful, unique pictures of the redemptive work of God and the miracle of adoption.

Church, don't miss out on the blessing of following God's commands.  Don't let the world sell you its false brand of Christianity.  Don't let anyone sell you the lie that God wants you to be rich, healthy, and happy.  God wants you to be holy.  

"Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."

We could all use a good dose of being politically incorrect for a change.  We are so busy worrying about who we are offending that we water down the Gospel and the power it has to change lives, to heal, and to redeem.  Jesus came that we might have life to the fullest.  Following Him is the greatest adventure ever. It will be fraught with danger, exhilarating moments, and yes, valleys.  Because without valleys, you never know just how good the view is from the mountaintop.   

After all, as C S Lewis says in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, "Safe?  Who said anything about safe?  Of course, He isn't safe.  But, He's good.  He's the King, I tell you."