There is a wonderful book by Tom Davis called "Fields of the Fatherless: Discover the Joy of Compassionate Living". Reading it impacted us greatly and opened our eyes to God's call on our lives to minister to the widows, orphans, and strangers.
The following information is directly copied from a book study at www.orphansunday.com.
What are the Fields of the Fatherless?
God’s people were to set aside a portion of their “field” and dedicate it to feeding the orphan, alien, and widow. The boundary of those “fields of the fatherless” were places where any orphan, widow, or stranger could find provision. Here was God’s plan:
“When you reap your harvest in your filed, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat the olive trees, you shall not go over the boughs again; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the 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.” Deut. 24:19-21
This boundary was so important, if you violated it, you transgressed against God.
“Do not move an ancient boundary stone, or encroach on the fields of the fatherless. For their Defender is strong; He will take up their case against you.” Proverbs 23:10-11
Today’s Fields
Every Christian and every church needs to dedicate a portion of their “field” for ministry toward the orphan, widow, and alien.
Every Christian and every church needs to dedicate a portion of their “field” for ministry toward the orphan, widow, and alien.
A picture of the field of the fatherless is found in the book of Ruth. In the fields of Boaz, Ruth finds her “kinsman redeemer,” and we find a perfect picture of how God’s people are to respond to the fatherless.
Justice is important to God.
He promises to ensure justice:
“He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing.” Deut. 10:17-18
Edmund Burke, an 18th century philosopher said, “The definition of evil in the world is when good men and women see injustice and do nothing.”
