An Idea Borrowed

Years ago on a radio program someone shared that they read a chapter in Proverbs every day. Since there are 31 chapters and the longest month has 31 days it allows you to read through Proverbs on a regular basis. I use it as the launch pad for my personal worship time and branch out from there. On this blog I will try to share some of the insights I have in the Word. I will try to organize them in the archive by reference.

Monday, January 23, 2012

From Seed to Feed

(Proverbs 23:20 KJV)  Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh:

Food.  For much of the world it is a struggle to get enough.  To most in the West it is a matter of excess.  In the Western world we don’t understand how many people do not even have enough to eat each day.  We need to develop this perspective.  I need to develop this perspective.  At either end of the spectrum, food can become an idol. 

Does this verse mean that eating is supposed to be a serious business?  Perhaps it reflects people who do not eat with the proper thanks to God for providing.  We who live in modern society do not appreciate what it takes to get food from the fields to the table.  We are not aware of all the miracles that are necessary for us to have the bounty we know.  Even the farmer does not understand all of the details that are involved in taking seed, dirt, water and sunlight and providing bread.

So?  We will never know all that goes into putting the bounty on our table but we can be grateful.  We can focus on the glorious way in which God has provided.  Thank Him also that He gave us the taste-buds that make it possible to enjoy the variety.  Savor. 

3 comments:

buddeshepherd said...

The USDA claims that something like 14 percent of US households experienced food insecurity at some point during 2010. (Meaning not enough to eat.)
While food prices in the US are lower in relation to income than they have been in years past, prices have to rise. The cost of fertilizer and diesel fuel have skyrocketed. Hay prices have tripled in the last few years. Grain is traded as a commodity and prices have varied greatly but also have made a steady climb.
Makes one a little nervous, especially when you have to borrow money for expensive seed, fuel, fertilizer, electricity for irrigation and then you wait for the seeds to grow and pray it doesn't frost or flood or get to dry or that you are not abducted by alien. (You never know)

Gorges Smythe said...

You're right, Pumice, we don't know how blessed we are.

BTW, that wasn't the REAL Budd Shepherd that commented or he would have mentioned Gothic turntables. I think his body really HAS been stolen by aliens!

Pumice said...

Budd,

If you told me you did a survey and found 14 percent I would scratch my head and say, "Okay, if you say so." When an agency of the federal government tells me something that is supposed to help justify the meddling they do with the farmers I am a bit more skeptical.

I don't know how farmers do what they do. I can hardly get enough tomatoes to make it worth my while.

George, It might be Budd. It could be his wife is reading his blog and he doesn't want her to know about his latest purchase.

It is always good when we are reminded of our blessings. When people share prayer requests at church I can only shake my head and be thankful.

Grace and peace.