God loves food.
You know times are tough when the situation suggests there is a lack of food.
In the book of Kings, there is an occasion shared where Elisha, the prophet, arrives at Gilgal right when there’s a famine happening. It’s a hallmark of famine that lack is the portion of the people. Here comes the man of God in the situation.
First he’s presented with a large pot of stew that some have tasted and seen that this pot ain’t good. In fact such is their revulsion they suggest that the pot’s contents is out to kill. (I remember reading that bit once and getting a revelation on why people don’t ask me to cook anything in the kitchen these days.) Elisha finds himself with a problem as the folks are in a stew over the stew. Some might suggest it’s best to get rid of the pot. Some would commend highly that at the very least the pot is avoided at all costs. Yet Elisha does something remarkable. He asks for flour, gets some, adds it to the stew and all of a sudden what would have been a waste in a famine, turns into a feast in the famine.
It doesn’t stop there because a guy approaches Elisha with some loaves of bread and some grain and Elisha instructs this guy to share it out to the crew. But the guy understandably sees a mathematical problem with the instruction. There are significantly more men than there are bread. The bread won’t spread. Of course the bread won’t spread if we take things from the perspective of man. But when Elisha looks at the situation, he applies what God says on the situation. And what God says in the situation – in the land of famine where lack is the portion – Elisha shares the word of God who says that not only will the bread spread, but there will be leftovers!
Take a look at God. From the portion of lack, God is now talking about leftovers. Bear in mind as well that you know that some of those brothers had a healthy appetite. Telling them that they’ll have enough bread plus leftovers is quite the blessing from God. Especially in the time of famine were lack is the portion.
It makes you think if anyone else was able to take a few pieces of bread and feed many … #JesusPreviewed
What these episodes outline among other things is that in every situation, it’s good to get what God says on it. Gaining the insight into the word of God on the matter can be the difference between living in lack or living with the leftovers even when times are tough.
What that also underscores once more is the truth to revel in and rejoice over:
God loves food.
(Photo by Eiliv-Sonas Aceron on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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