God's Provision

If you missed the Celtic Mass on Sunday March 17, you missed a marvelous worship service with very good music. The service was supported by Lutheran Saints in Ministry member churches, Abiding Christ, Arise in Christ, St. Marks, and Good Shepherd West Milton. Emanuel Ministries also helped with our worship. Thanks to all who came and made it a special event!

This week’s message comes to us from students at Luther Seminary.

The ancient Jewish Midrash, a commentary on the Old Testament, says that while the Israelites wandered in the desert, a stone rolled alongside them. Every night when they made camp, it gushed forth water to satisfy their thirst. The stone was complemented by manna, the miraculous food God replenished each morning. Both the water and the manna came daily and couldn’t be stockpiled for the future. One was to accept today’s gifts today, and trust that tomorrow’s gifts would come tomorrow. What if we believed it was true that when we were hungry, God would send bread; that when we were thirsty, God would send water; that we could take each day as it comes in faith that tomorrow would take care of itself? How would it change how we live, spend our energy, share our abundance? I imagine it would look something like a porous rock rolling alongside us, or a heavenly meal replenished each morning, providing enough—more than enough—not only for us, but for everyone. We always want to look to the future and often neglect the present. This story illustrates that we only have today and that is where we can share abundance in our lives. Do not worry about the future here, as God will guide all of us and the church. It may not look like something we are comfortable with or that we have seen before. Newness and change do not need to threaten or worry you if you trust in God and the Spirit’s guidance. (1 Corinthians 10:1–13)

God, give us the courage to live in the abundance of your gracious provision. Where there is hunger and thirst, teach us to give generously, trusting that there is more than enough to go around. Amen.

Nancy Trimble, Deacon