Happy are those who fear the Lord! (Psalm 112:1)
The Book of Tobit tells the story of a Jewish exile living in Nineveh who
was known for his acts of mercy. Specifically, he made sure to give his
fellow Jews who had been killed by persecution a proper burial, even though
doing so put him in danger. The first time he was caught, he was threatened
with death, and his property was confiscated (Tobit 1:17-20). Still, Tobit
continued, until a freak accident caused him to go blind (2:9-14).
If every hero or heroine in the Old Testament reflects some aspect of Jesus
and his mission, where does Tobit fit in? He is not a pioneer like Abraham.
Neither is he a wise ruler like David or a brave prophet like Jeremiah.
Tobit is just a regular guy who gets into tough situations because of his
generosity. Is that really Christlike?
Absolutely. Of course Jesus is the all-holy Son of God who came to defeat
sin and death through his cross. But he was also the son of a modest Jewish
couple from a small town in Galilee. He was a regular tradesman who went to
friends' weddings, ate with ordinary people, and kept a special place in his
heart for his widowed mother.
Both Tobit and Jesus moved beyond their everyday situations because they
heard the cry of the poor and needy. And that's what sets them apart. Tobit
could not bear the thought that some of his brothers and sisters might be
defiled, and he wanted to show his fellow Jews that God still cared for
them. Similarly, Jesus' heart went out to the human race. He wanted to show
us that God wants to care for us as well.
The story of Tobit poses a question to us: Have I let the cry of the poor
pierce my heart? Tobit risked much to care for his people, and Jesus gave
everything. What might God be calling you to give for the sake of his
people?
"Lord, give me a generous heart. Help me see the poor with your eyes, and
give me the courage to reach out to them with your love."
The Book of Tobit tells the story of a Jewish exile living in Nineveh who
was known for his acts of mercy. Specifically, he made sure to give his
fellow Jews who had been killed by persecution a proper burial, even though
doing so put him in danger. The first time he was caught, he was threatened
with death, and his property was confiscated (Tobit 1:17-20). Still, Tobit
continued, until a freak accident caused him to go blind (2:9-14).
If every hero or heroine in the Old Testament reflects some aspect of Jesus
and his mission, where does Tobit fit in? He is not a pioneer like Abraham.
Neither is he a wise ruler like David or a brave prophet like Jeremiah.
Tobit is just a regular guy who gets into tough situations because of his
generosity. Is that really Christlike?
Absolutely. Of course Jesus is the all-holy Son of God who came to defeat
sin and death through his cross. But he was also the son of a modest Jewish
couple from a small town in Galilee. He was a regular tradesman who went to
friends' weddings, ate with ordinary people, and kept a special place in his
heart for his widowed mother.
Both Tobit and Jesus moved beyond their everyday situations because they
heard the cry of the poor and needy. And that's what sets them apart. Tobit
could not bear the thought that some of his brothers and sisters might be
defiled, and he wanted to show his fellow Jews that God still cared for
them. Similarly, Jesus' heart went out to the human race. He wanted to show
us that God wants to care for us as well.
The story of Tobit poses a question to us: Have I let the cry of the poor
pierce my heart? Tobit risked much to care for his people, and Jesus gave
everything. What might God be calling you to give for the sake of his
people?
"Lord, give me a generous heart. Help me see the poor with your eyes, and
give me the courage to reach out to them with your love."
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