TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth. Psalm 104:14
Read: Psalm 104:13-15
Listen: Psalm 104
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The Psalmist reflects on the goodness of God evident in wine, oil and bread. These things are three staples of the Israelite economy. The presence of all three demonstrates God’s goodness and faithfulness. Wine requires a flourishing vineyard. Olive oil requires a grove of healthy trees. Bread requires a bountiful field of wheat. They also need healthy harvesters and workers to turn them from crops into what ends up on the table.
But most importantly, these crops needed water. The Israelites were keenly aware that their agricultural economy relied on God. Their forefathers had experience with irrigation-based economies, with Abraham being from the Euphrates valley and years spent in Egypt near the Nile River. But Israel doesn’t have a prominent river to irrigate from. The crops of Israel needed rain; every meal pointed to the goodness of God to provide that rain.
We are more separated than ever from the sources of our food today. When it stops raining for a few weeks in the summer, few people consider what impact that might have on our dinner table. Every time we sit down to a meal—we have an opportunity to reflect on the goodness of God. God’s creativity displays in the vibrant colors and textures on our plate. Food is one of the ways we see God’s character in the created world. We see his goodness, kindness, love, creativity and generosity through our meals.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As you write down three things you are thankful for, think through what’s involved in the food on your list. Thank God for his provision in each step of the process. Thank God for the opportunity to celebrate his goodness through your food.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is James 1.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
