Listen

A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing the man of God some bread from the early produce—twenty loaves of barley bread and fresh grain from his bag. Elisha said, “Give it to the people so they can eat.”

His servant said, “How can I feed one hundred men with this?”

Elisha said, “Give it to the people so they can eat! This is what the Lord says: ‘Eat and there will be leftovers.’” So the servant gave the food to them. They ate and had leftovers, in agreement with the Lord’s word.

2 Kings 4:42-44

Think

I forgot about this story. I remember the feeding of the multitudes in the gospels, both versions. But this one from the Hebrew Scriptures, I confess it has been a while since I read it. As a result, I forgot about this story.

That happens to us, doesn’t it? Our memories are selective, choosing the immediate, the relevant, and the accessible memories. It’s understandable and common. But it can also be limiting. The richness of our scripture stories is overflowing with memories of the steadfast love of God, the everlasting mercies, and the surprise of grace abundant.

In today’s story, we find all three. We begin the story with famine, hunger, and disbelief. And we end the story with direction, obedience, and grace abundant. The Bible is full of these kinds of stories. May we continue reading them so that we might remember the one who provides, sustains, and surprises us still today.

Aram Feinberg

Question to Ponder:

Think about a time when you were surprised with goodness. What happened and why were you surprised?

Pray

Lord, I thank you for the surprising ways you show up with your loving presence. Help me to fill my memories with stories of old, so that I might be encouraged by your faithfulness and experience what happens this day in light of your grace.

Amen.

Go

May the God of love bless you and keep you.

May Jesus the Christ smile upon you and be gracious toward you.

And may the Spirit of truth lead you in the path of wisdom and peace.

And God’s people say: Amen.