The Lord upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. Psalm 146:7 NIV

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 2Corinthians 9:10

Spring is here – at least the calendar says it is supposed to be. A garden catalog I received last week told me I could go out, work up the ground, and plant spinach. Don’t think that will work so well at the moment. We can start some seeds inside, where it is warm and the soil isn’t frozen, for later planting. However, it soon will be springtime where we can plant seeds outside in the ground, then, with a little watering and other care, wait for the plants to grow and make food for us.

God created the world to yield its abundance for us and for the animals and insects that share our world. His plan includes food for all – giving food to the hungry is something we are to do. In a perfect world everyone would have what is needed; there is plenty of food it just doesn’t get equally to everyone.

Paul refers to food and to other things that grow from seeds – that would be from the seeds of righteousness. He encourages the Corinthians to share their what they have willingly and generously to those Christians in need in Jerusalem. Seeds grow, that’s how they are designed. From small deeds (the seeds) all can reap the harvest of righteousness as we share the bounty of our Lord.

Lord of Creation, your creative hand upholds us. Thank you for the gift of nourishment, filling not only our mouths, but our hearts and minds with the fruit of your love, justice, and compassion. Grant that every tongue and heart may know of your abundant love and mercy as we work to feed the needs of the hurting and hungry around the world. Amen.

Chris Gabel