Who Cares About Orphans?

“You shall not mistreat any widow or fatherless child. If you do mistreat them, and they cry out to me, I will surely hear their cry, and my wrath will burn, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall become widows and your children fatherless.” Exodus 22:22-24 (ESV)

We are not far into God's Word before we hear strong and surprising warnings about the treatment of the neediest. The hope of the orphan and widow rests squarely on the God of all mercy. God does not ask for some vague charitable disposition that, while moved by feelings, remains idle in action.

“At the end of every three years you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in the same year and lay it up within your towns. And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance with you, and the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, who are within your towns, shall come and eat and be filled, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands that you do.” Deuteronomy 14:28-29 (ESV)

Read James 1:26-27. Have you given much thought to how this kind of Old Testament directive applies to New Testament believers? How can we avoid the errors of the "social gospel" movement? What is the best role for the American church in the discipleship and education of orphans? What is the distinctive Reformed position on this issue?

I am presently engaged in historical and theological research on these issues. I hope to publish and share any findings as I progress. Soli Deo Gloria