You shall eat your bread to the full, and live securely in your land. Leviticus 26:5 

And all ate and were filled; and they took up what was left over of the broken pieces, twelve baskets full. Matthew 14:20 

We live in a world where there is plenty of food available for everyone. Unfortunately, that food does not always get to the people that need it. God created a world with plenty of clean water, clean air, healthy plants and animals, and people to live in and care for it. We have not always taken good care of everything that God created and gave us.

In Leviticus is a description of God’s intent for His people. For those who put away their idols, and follow God’s commandments He has many wonderful promises. He will give rains in their season, produce from the land, trees of the field will yield fruit. Threshing will overtake vintage and vintage will overtake sowing so that everyone “shall eat their bread in full.” Finally, God will grant peace in the land, no one shall make the people afraid any more. No dangerous animals, no enemies left in the land. 

Our world has had more than enough of problems with food – droughts, floods – rain either too much or too little. There have been blizzards and cold temperatures that overcome electrical grids leaving people without potable water. There certainly are enemies all around whether viruses, people at war, and even a few dangerous animals.  However, God is with us during any trouble with promises of He fulfills. When Jesus is surrounded by 5,000 people that are hungry He makes sure they are fed. Not only is there enough for everyone, but there is also so much that a dozen baskets are filled with the leftovers. 

Maybe we can’t feed 5,000 plus people at a giant picnic, but we can help feed those who are hungry and shelter those without homes. Bread for the World (www.bread.org)  is an organization supported by our church that has a focus on lobbying our legislators to pass bills that reduce hunger and end childhood poverty. During Lent there is an emphasis on prayers for an End to Hunger. Their 2021 Offering of Letters, continues over a decade of education and action dedicated to ending hunger. You can access this on their website and get information on what to write and where to send your letters.  Locally we can also support efforts to provide affordable housing. God intended that all have enough to eat and enough to share; safe living places; clean air, clean water, and unpolluted soil. We can each do our part of God’s plan for our world.

Loving God, it sounds too magnificent to believe. You generously showered the earth with all that we, your children, need. Forgive us for the soil we have depleted, the air we have fouled, and the water we have wasted and poisoned. In the gift of the earth you have given us all that we need. Despite your generosity many of your children lack enough food, and safe places to live. Strengthen us to share with others so that all may partake of this abundance. In Jesus’ name, Amen.   

Chris Gabel