Daily Topic for November 22, 2004
1 Sam. 23:3
“Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more, then, if we go to Keilah against the ranks of the Philistines?”
Good question! But God had clearly commanded David and his troops to go, and He had promised them victory if they obeyed, so they went…and inflicted “heavy losses” on the Philistine forces. We might likewise ask: Why leave home, where we are not always successful against Satan’s forces, to go to some other land where Satan is even more firmly entrenched? The answer: because God has commanded us to go, and because He promises victory if we obey. Jesus told His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18), and promised to be with them, and us, to the end of the age.
O Lord, may those in difficult ministries be especially aware of Your presence today. How glad we are that You are with them-and with us!
Hindu Bania People of South Asia
“If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest (Ex. 22:25, NIV).” The Bible, in these circumstances, views usury with disdain, but not so the Bania caste in India. They enjoy a distinctive social status, and consider themselves above all other castes except Brahmins.
The word Bania comes from a word meaning merchant. Their occupations include traders, bankers, moneylenders, and even government officials. Mahatma Gandhi came from this caste. From a very young age, Bania boys are instructed in mental arithmetic and taught to make a profit. The Banias are considered capitalists par excellence, but often at the expense of those to whom they lend money.
The 25,500,000 Bania people are found not only in India but also in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. During the last century mission agencies did target the Banias in hopes of transforming Hindu society from the top down, but this strategy largely failed. Eighty percent Hindu, the Banias are strict vegetarians and adhere to a ritualistic and legalistic worship. Women are relegated to second class status as evidenced when a girl is born, and an earthen pot is broken to show the family’s misfortune.
Learn more at joshuaproject.netPray for the Lord to prepare Bania hearts to receive a savior who offers them a free gift and an opportunity to store up riches in heaven.-JS
Next day: Lingayats of India
Previous day: Muslim Hausa People of West Africa