5. THE LORD BECOMES THE FATHER OF THE WIDOW'S HOME

5.1. PRAISE FOR HIS CONCERN THAT IS ADMINISTERED

Psalm 68:5 "A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation."

The Hebrew 'yatom' "orphan" is used for "fatherless" - occurs in conjunction with the word "widow" forty four times in the Old Testament. The Psalmist proposes a practical theme for rejoicing, that of God's great concern for the needy and helpless (Psalm 68:4-5 ). God made provision for those enduring the very real consequences of bereavement. God actually gets involved for them.

He who ruled from the tabernacle, His palace of justice among the nation He had chosen, had their just welfare in mind. By making righteous laws for their aid, He instructed representatives to see that His heart concern was administered (Deuteronomy 24:17; 27:19; Psalm 82:3; Deuteronomy 10:18; Psalm 68:5 ).

5.2. PRAISE FOR HIS CONCERN THAT IS ASSURED

	The Lord will be to the godly widow what the husband was expected to be (Genesis 18:12; Hosea 2:16 ).
	The Lord would carry the orphan and widow as He did the nation (Deuteronomy 1:31 ).
	The widow need not fear her fatherless children will lack discipline (Deuteronomy 8:5 ).
	As they reverence the Lord they would experience His Father compassion (Psalm 103:13; Isaiah 40:11 ).
	They can depend on the Lord as Father, to know everything about them (Matthew 10:30 ).
	As a Father He will rescue and restore (Isaiah 63:15-16 ).
	As a Father He is to be accepted as the role-model (Matthew 5:48; Luke 6:36 ).
	The believing widow and her orphaned children will be catered for (Psalm 132:15; Psalm 34:9-10 ).

The godly widow embraces the Lord's promises for the meeting of her personal needs, emotional and physical, and that of her home, not the least of her blessings being the sure help of God against those who threatened and oppressed. Her testimony of praise could be the words of Psalm 10:14,18.

Psalm 10:14,18 "... The helpless commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless. ¹⁸ To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more. "

Do you extol the Lord because His eye misses nothing, that He punishes the oppressor, because He is the friend of the oppressed? When you are helpless you commit yourself unreservedly into the Lord's hands? Do you believe the Lord will vindicate you, and terrify your oppressor? The believing widow who can answer yes, has the involvement of God, as Father, in her home.

6. THE LORD REQUIRES THE CHURCH TO RECOGNISE WIDOWS IN NEED

6.1. SUPPORT DEMONSTRATED

Acts 6:1 "Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution."

In caring for widows financially, and in other practical ways, God uses the church. The first example of this is recorded in Acts chapter six. At first, responsibility for administration of funds for the support of widows was left to the apostles. At that time the problem arose about the Hellenists' claim that their widows suffered neglect (Acts 6:1 ).

It is interesting to note what action the apostles chose. They could have insisted that the church should no longer be involved in the practice of providing for widows on the grounds that it was a source of disunity. The point could also have been made, that the church needed to be occupied with the commission of the Lord to preach the gospel, teach, and make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20 ). The apostles sought no occasion for discontinuing the ministry to widows. Rather, they set up an arrangement to solve the problem, releasing others to serve in the management of the equal distribution to all needy widows (Acts 6:2-4 ). The apostolic action emphasised their love for God and the Scriptures. They knew that God had spoken His heart intentions towards godly widows and that He used His people to fulfill them. By practising practical love they were pleasing the Lord.

Those who are appointed to practical service must be known for their integrity, and persons full of the Holy Spirit, exercising wise discretion in serving people, and accountable to those who appointed them (Acts 6:2 ). The duty of compassionate ministry to the needy has never been rescinded.

6.2. SUPPORT DEFINED

1 Timothy 5:3-6 "Honour widows that are widows indeed. ⁴ But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. ⁵ Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. ⁶ But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth."

The kind of widow the Church should honour with support is defined as:

	one who is really a widow, that is, one who is really dependant.
	one who is without the support of children or relatives.
	one who in her desolation trusts God.
	one who gives herself persistently in supplications and prayers.
	one who does not live in wasteful, self-indulgent pleasure (1 Timothy 5:6 ).

The reason for commanding these things is so that those supported, nor the Church, be open to reproach or blame.

While recognising there are different kinds of support for widows today, it should be a concern of the Churches to provide for those truly dependant. Our practical love for our own will commend the gospel to a world that needs Christ.

7. THE LORD REQUIRES RELATIVES TO ASSIST NEEDY WIDOWS

1 Timothy "5:16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed."

It is intended that believers play an active role in relieving widows who are related to them. It is the woman who is addressed (NU text omits man or), but by implication both men and women believers are intended to be involved.

Women may be expected to have a greater emotional desire to help their bereft kin, but men as well as women are to be instrumental in keeping God's promises. A practical word is written to men;

1 Timothy 5:8 "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."

Obedience on the part of relatives, relieves both the Church and the widow. Being involved in private generosity makes us representatives of God, and the Church. In this sensitive ministry, recipients are encouraged to direct their thanksgiving to the Lord.

To be a member of the Church does not weaken family relationships, rather, it strengthens the ties of kinship. When the love of Christ pervades our natural responsibilities, generosity abounds and obligation becomes a privilege.