July 22

Nor shall you glean your vineyard, not shall you gather the fallen fruit of your vineyard, you shall leave them for the needy and for the stranger. I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:10.

We are so prone to forget that the Lord owns “our” vineyard. If we could only believe that we are only temporary stewards who may tend the land and collect the fruit. We can not even be about the business of trying to collect it all. We are to leave some of the harvest to the needy and the stranger. What is the vineyard? It is all the gifts that God has given me; my home, my income, my talents, my time.

The mark of a Christian, one who believes that he is guided by the Holy Spirit, is a love for God, a love for his brothers and sisters in Christ, and a love for his neighbor. We know that our neighbors are all those whom we may contact—including the needy and the strangers. We must allow them to glean from the Lord’s vineyard—the very same vineyard we have been given to manage.

Where does the bountiful harvest come from? It is fulfilled by His grace. So I know that His love for us will show no bounds. There will always be more than enough to glean.

Today, heavenly Father, let me release the corners of my vineyard. Let me not look anxiously at the fallen fruit, for I know that You have someone in mind who will come by and collect from Your infinite supply. Let me be there to embrace and love them, all the while giving credit to You. Give me strength and desire today to tend Your vineyard, for it is a privilege beyond comprehension. Keep me ever mindful of Your grace. Amen.
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