God of the sufficient, bless the lack in the life of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus' name, amen.
What in the world is an "omer" and how much would that be for your family to enjoy as a meal? Gather round boys and girls and ye shall learn. I'm referring to the God of provision, or as some say, "Jehovah Jireh," and how He miraculously provided for the Israelites each morning during their Exodus, the fine, delicate pastry known as manna. Here's how that text reads, "14 When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. 15 When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, "It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. 16 This is what the Lord has commanded: "Gather as much of it as each of you needs, an omer to a person according to the number of persons, all providing for those in their own tents.' " 17 The Israelites did so, some gathering more, some less. 18 But when they measured it with an omer, those who gathered much had nothing over, and those who gathered little had no shortage; they gathered as much as each of them needed." Amazing how God works. God told each believer to gather "an omer to a person," and so they did; "some gathering more, some less." Isn't that human nature? I had to chuckle because Tuesday night, at National Night Out, we were handing out free popcorn and tracts about our church. On the counter we had also placed some plastic wallets containing Bible verses for daily use. The church's name appeared on the cover. Most folks had to be asked if they wanted one. Some, thinking we were not looking, would grab one quickly, hide it, then grab another. Some more boldly took three or four. All without truly knowing what they were. The same with the humans in this story. Yet, when the amount gathered was measured with the omer, all had the same.
To be honest I had never noticed that reference before. God performs miracles and sometimes within the miracle, other miracles occur. Leave it to God to perform that which we cannot explain and within that, we cannot explain other details. I'll share my unexplainable story from yesterday. After lunch I stop at a shoe store to talk with the store manager about our upcoming new ministry called "Happy Feet." We're going to collect a "noisy offering" on Sunday the 16th and all the money, along with much more "soft, quiet offerings (hint: cash and checks!)" so that we as a church can provide new shoes for needy children in our area. We wanted to partner with a store so that we could get more "bang for our buck." I walk in, ask to speak to the manager of the store and get directed to a young man. As I tell him our intent, he said, "Well, you should talk to our regional manager, who happens to be in the store right now." Hmm. Not only was the regional manager there, there was the store director (above the store manager) with him as well. They both loved the idea and we struck up a partnership.
God provides and sometimes, if we look carefully, and even if we don't, God surprises us with the unexpected additional blessing of providing not just enough, but something more than enough.
PRAYER: God of all provision, grant me the eyes to see all that You have done, are doing, and will do in my life. May I be joyfully surprised to the point of sharing that joy and blessing back to You and Yours. I pray this with all faith, in Jesus' Name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Request: Our bishop, James Dorff, lost his brother to cancer yesterday morning in Oklahoma. Please pray that God comfort Bishop and Mrs. Dorff and all of their family as they travel to be with family for the funeral.
