“And you are to love those who are foreigners,
 for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.” – Deuteronomy 10:19 NIV

Back in the day, before we worried about our children developing an eating disorder, they were encouraged to “Clean your plate.” No food, not even a clump of broccoli, was to be left on the plate to be thrown out. After all, “There are starving children in China who would love to have what’s on your plate.” Many a put-upon child would mutter under their breath, “Then why don’t you send it to them?” It never made sense how eating our last forkful of broccoli could have any impact on children in another country.

I’m not advocating for returning to the days of forcing a child to clean their plate. And in all honesty, I think parents were more concerned about the dinner table than they were about starving children overseas. But there were important lessons being taught. First off, it taught that we should care about others even if they aren’t in our household, or even our country. God loves the children in Ukraine, Gaza, Africa, and China. We should, too. Secondly, it taught that we should think about how our actions may affect others, and not just ourselves. Something that we do every day (like eating) may have an impact on people in far-off places. We should think beyond ourselves and do unto others as we would have them do unto us.

The Israelites were about to go from being foreigners in the land of Egypt to being in control of their own country. God reminded them to never forget the love He showed them in Egypt, and to therefore show love to people from other countries themselves. How can we do the same today? We may not be able to ship them our leftovers, but we could pray for them, contribute to missions such as Zoey Empowers, support missionaries to bring them the Gospel, and advocate for them when they are facing times of trouble. 

I’m not so sure God cares much about clean plates. But I am sure God wants us to care about others, even those who live as far away as China.

Enjoy your broccoli.
Pastor Mark