Enough

“He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.” 1 Kings 19:8

Even after God vanquishes the prophets of Baal and brings an end to the draught, Elijah the prophet lives in fear. His victories so far have not brought him to safety. Jezebel, the queen, is incensed. Elijah asks God to let him die. Instead of death, Elijah wakes from sleep to find a cake baked on hot stones and a jar of water. He eats, drinks, and returns to sleep. An angel wakes him again; again Elijah eats. In that small meal, Elijah finds strength for the journey to Horeb where, after traveling for forty days, he meets God.

While our stories are not likely as dramatic as Elijah’s, still it feels like we are have to go too long with too little. This pandemic drags on and, while most of us have enough food to eat, we are hungry for companionship and connection. Many are hungry for sufficient employment. And yes, many are hungry for daily bread.

As the church, we proclaim that we are fed and nourished by bread and wine that are just enough, more than enough, to sustain us. By simple words that become the Word through the Spirits power. We remember that in God’s goodness, we always have enough. In this promise, we can live to make sure others have enough, too.

There are times when we say, “I’ve had enough!” I’ve said it and I’ll say it again. It is lament, and it is holy. Let us also remember to say, “I have enough.” The Lord makes it so.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

“God of abundance, in the midst of what looks like scarcity, you open our eyes and meet our needs. Lift us up as a servant church to be a blessing to others, especially during these long days of pandemic. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Elijah Fed by an Angel, Ferdinand Bol, between 1660 and 1663 (public domain).