Every so often the texts to be explored on the upcoming weekend don’t really go together. Blame Vicki of Nashville. This week is one of those where the Golden Thread is difficult to find. But it seems to me that God uses these varied experiences of The People to underline the point: that humanity isn’t ordained for suffering and insecurity, but for the fulfillment of a Dream, an idea in the mind of God. We remember many times when we thought we were starving–and God provided! So what we’re looking at is the experience of a Providential God giving us more than we expected.
EXODUS 16:9-15 is part of the story of how the Hebrews, the desert wanderers, gradually became the ethical and spiritual community of God. The Back to Egypt committee had been whining that they needed more sustenance. YHWH told them, “OK, have it your way.” And a multitude of quails came to the Hebrew camp, and the Bread of Heaven appeared with the dew. MANNA means, “What is it?” These gifts became part of the Jewish story-tradition, and reminded hearers through the centuries that a loving God has signed a relief to them.
Paul, or a member of his team, wrote encouraging words to the EPHESIAN Church. Here in 4:11-16, the hearers are urged to tune in to holy gifts as discovered in their members and in the body as a whole, “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ…” Part of that ministry is to proclaim the abundant provision of a very present God.
The Gospel of JOHN, 6:24-35, continues the story of the holy intersection between Jesus and his hungry people. Having been fed in the wilderness, they wanted to squirrel away Jesus’ power so they’d ALWAYS be fed. (As you may remember, this didn’t work with the manna, either.) But look!, the provision ascribed to Moses was really from GOD who always appears just at the right time. Thus Jesus walked the earth–and still does. Those who ingest his presence and his being are blessed with a nourishment which goes beyond quail and manna.
In telling these stories, we’re enriched by the remembrance and implicit knowledge of a God who provides. We ‘self-made’ persons would do well to accept our position within the wholeness of Heavenly Culture, to devote our time and energy to the development of our community, “to equip the saints for the work of ministry…” Will there be enough manna to go around? Most assuredly!
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
You’re invited!–to join with us each Tuesday to hear the lessons to be read in worship during the upcoming weekend. And bring a friend….
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