DAY 8: Sharing

Getting Rid Of The Haves And Have-Nots

Exodus 16

Morning by morning they gathered it, as much as each needed.


God provided manna for the Israelites throughout their wilderness journey. Every morning they awoke to find the ground covered with manna. It must have been a strange yet welcome thing to see. They found enough for everyone to eat. Those who gathered a lot discovered that they didn't have extra. Those who didn't gather much discovered that they had enough.

The daily gift of manna taught the Israelites to rely on God's promise to provide enough for all. God is the source of all food. The Israelites learned that God provides bread--in some form--every day. It is a matter of grace. How much they got didn't depend on how hard they were able to work or whether they were able to gather much or little, everyone had enough.

God gives us what we need, not what we deserve. God's economy of manna stands in conflict with our usual way of thinking. God doesn't reward the overachiever with excess, and God doesn't punish those who can't support themselves by refusing to supply their needs. God seeks to eliminate the gap between the haves and the have-nots. God's way is the way of compassion and sharing. When those who have more share with those who have less, then all will have enough.


What is my "abundance" that God invites me to share?


Prayer:
Loving God, as you provide me with daily bread, help me to live with compassion and generosity, sharing my abundance with others. Amen


Action step:
Call or visit your local food bank to discover what things they need most, and then organize a food drive to gather food for the hungry in your local community.

contributed by Pastor Julie Kanarr