2 Kings 4:42-44 (NRSV)
Read 2 Kings 4:42-44 on biblegateway.com
Verse 42A man came from Baal-shalishah, bringing food from the first fruits to the man of God: twenty loaves of barley and fresh ears of grain in his sack. Elisha said, "Give it to the people and let them eat." Verse 43But his servant said, "How can I set this before a hundred people?" So he repeated, "Give it to the people and let them eat, for thus says the Lord, 'They shall eat and have some left.'" Verse 44He set it before them, they ate, and had some left, according to the word of the Lord.
Devotion
I was surprised the first time I read through the Bible from beginning to end. Story themes showed up over and over again! Today’s reading for instance: I had always thought there was only one story of God finding a way to feed a lot with what appeared to be little. But today’s reading is a less remembered story of that miracle I usually associate with Jesus’ feeding 5000 from 5 loaves and 2 fishes. It is a good reminder of God’s continuing generosity in light of human need throughout the Bible AND also for us today. God provides with abundance in all times and places! Yet these miracle stories always include the ever present reminder: to take what we have been given (as small as it may seem) and share. Through God, there will always be more than enough to go around.
Prayer
Jesus, it is so easy for us to be reminded of what we lack. Give us eyes to see all we have. Give us eyes to see others in need. Give us hearts to share out of your abundance. Give us hearts to love that much, hearts to love as you first loved us. Amen.