October 3 Abundant Lord

2 Kings 4:42-44 A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. And Elisha said, "Give to the men, that they may eat." 43 But his servant said, "How can I set this before a hundred men?" So he repeated, "Give them to the men, that they may eat, for thus says the Lord, 'They shall eat and have some left.'" 44 So he set it before them. And they ate and had some left, according to the word of the Lord.

DOES the Lord's Miracle Number 9 through Elisha sound familiar? Matthew 14 and 15 record that Jesus did something like this two times. Even more abundantly, our Lord, fed 4,000 and 5,000 men - and many more women and children - with a bit of bread and a few fish.

   God is the Living God, isn't he? He has shown through Elijah and Elisha remarkable life-giving and life-sustaining miracles. The Lord God has supplied abundant food, money and his resurrection power to demonstrate he is Creator, Sustainer, Resurrection and Father.

   I use "Father" at the end of this list because it is a word and image that encompasses who God is. I know we earthly fathers could do much, much more to demonstrate godly character. Too often we fail miserably. But we all must look to our Father in Heaven as the perfect example of fatherhood.

   The Father is forgiving and life-giving. He opens the doors of Heaven to pour forth his blessings. He consistently welcomes people into his love, joy, peace and kindness. With Fatherly wisdom, our Lord corrects what is wrong and praises what is right. He is the Father who stands at the door of his home to say, "Come on in!" as we walk by, searching to be filled while unaware the abundant life is in our Father's house.

   Yes, this food miracle shows us God's provision. He never gives "just enough". Abundantly our Lord gives plenty. He always wants us to have more at the next meal. God's love never runs out. God's love fills you up. God's love sends you home satisfied when you eagerly eat what he sets before you.  

   Receive the Father's love. Savor it. Enjoy it. Know and trust the truth of Jesus' words in John 10:10 "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

    

Prayer: My Father in Heaven, give to me this day my daily bread at my physical table and at your spiritual table that I will abundantly live with you. In Jesus' name, amen.