When most people think of "the lectionary," they recognize it as a schedule of readings pastors use to order weekly worship. That’s true, but the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) also includes daily Bible readings. Each morning, I reflect on these passages and choose one to share in our daily devotional.
Often, common themes emerge, almost explicitly. Today is one of those days.
Psalm 53 speaks of the fool who denies God and devours God’s people like bread. In Luke 9, Jesus feeds five thousand, telling his disciples, “You give them something to eat.” Then in 2 Kings 4, food appears again. But our focus is on the provision a widow receives from the prophet Elisha.
She has lost her husband, and a creditor has come to collect. What can she do? Elisha even asks her, “What shall I do for you?” He instructs her to borrow "not just a few" jars from her neighbors and pour her remaining oil into them. Miraculously, the oil flows until every jar is full. She then can sell the oil, pay her debts, and have enough to live on.
Now, that was a brief recounting of the texts for today. But did you notice the theme?
In that deserted place one day, Jesus blessed five loaves and two fish. The disciples, then, probably with the crowd's help, fed everyone. And, at her lowest point, the widow's neighbors stepped in.
While understanding his feeling, I have to disagree with the psalmist in Psalm 53. He said "there is no one who does good" (Psalm 53:1). But there are, right? There are people who help feed, lend supplies, give and offer support in many ways. A common theme in all scripture reminds us that God watches and cares for how we care for each other.
Some days you lend the jars and some days you borrow them. Praise God the jars and God's people are there.
Stay blessed...john | 
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