Throughout the world, land is highly valued. Good locations, fertile land, mining rights—whatever the attraction, people will do what they can to get hold of it. Some governments and powerful business interests think nothing of driving people from their land, bulldozing houses and redrawing boundaries. Even traditional lands are taken from those who have looked after it for generations.

Victims of land loss are usually the poor who cannot afford fees to fight their case. Who will defend their rights? We see that such helpless people have a defender in God. Proverbs warns against moving the stones that mark the boundaries of ancient Israel. As in biblical accounts, a person’s next of kin may play a redeemer’s role by buying back family land that had been lost. Similarly, God often acts as a person’s redeemer—fighting on behalf of his family to regain what was lost. See Proverbs 23:10-11.

Reflect:

Why do you think the moving of an ancient boundary stone became an important piece of advice? When have you seen someone victimized by land loss?

Live it:

How can you find out more about dispossessed people in other lands and their needs? What do you do to show your respect for the environment and the property rights of others? Brainstorm with your family about ways you can help the homeless this week.

Pray:

Our Lord, I know that you defend the homeless and desire that the poor are given justice. May I be someone you can rely on to help make your desires a reality.

Next: Day 9 of 40

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