It wasn't that long ago that people canned their food from summer's bounty and made it last through the winter, without modern conveniences like refrigerators and freezers. They were creative, inventive and made it work, but life was hard.
Today, we can go to the supermarket and purchase just about any fruit of my choice. Most vegetables are available, too. They might not be summer perfect, but they are good enough. Yes, the things in season are cheaper and fresher... but the overall picture is abundance. So much available.
Inclimate weather is in the forecast today. Yesterday, the grocery store was packed with people stocking up on things to get them through a storm. Why do we all need milk, bread and eggs? Oh, yes. with those items, we can get through any storm with only pantry basics.
What about our spiritual basics for life's storms? The scriptures use the analogy of our daily bread.
I was reminded in my readings the past few days that Bethlehem means "House of Bread" and Jesus is the "Bread of Life". From the House of Bread came the Bread of Life. Yes, the Old Testament has so many goodies to unwrap and connect to God's promises fulfilled. Jesus is the Bread of Life who offers us "Living Water". He is our sustenance...what we really need.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." -Matthew 5:6
As we walk and talk with the Savior, does our spirit hunger for more? Do we long for more understanding? Does we pray to see justice with God's eyes and not just our own perspectives and opinions.
We worshiped this morning in the same place we have worshiped for most of the past 30 years. It is convenient. It is good. It is familiar and feels like home. With such convenience, it is very easy to become lazy. Like Kroger provides the bread, milk and eggs for the winter storm, our weekly sermon offers us some direction and contemplation for the week.
Can it be so much more? Shouldn't it be our pep rally for the week ahead, so we may face whatever the world might throw at us with His grace?A pastor can shepherd and lead, but we must choose how and what we do beyond the worship hour. Will we continue to seek more? Do we see that time in worship, study and fellowship as soul food?
We need the food the supermarket provides during these long winter months, but the abundance we live with is truly a luxury. "Give us this day, our daily bread." reminds us to look to our God for our daily needs, taking one day at a time. We are blessed with more than enough, it is good to pause and give thanks.
Today, I am grateful for the convenience of plentiful food in the winter.
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