Introduction

In 1990, while serving as the pastor of First Lutheran Church, Potter, Neb., and Grace Lutheran Church, Gurley, Neb., I prepared a series of six daily devotions, calling the collection “All Good Gifts: Devotions for the Harvest.” This is the second in the collection.

Reading: 1 Kings 17:8-16

“The jar of meal was not emptied, neither did the jug of oil fail, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah” (v. 16).

Devotion

In the midst of a long and severe drought, God speaks his gracious Word through the prophet Elijah, so that a widow in poverty might not starve to death, but have bread to eat. God shows his care and concern for all his people, especially when they suffer.

By sending Elijah as his servant, God works to bring hope in spite of suffering, a Word when words fail, and life in the face of death. He has done the same for us, giving us his Christ, the bread of life, in Holy Communion, so that we may eat and not die, just as the widow ate and lived.

Prayer

LORD God, forgive us for doubting your care for us, even when the rains fail. Feed us with the true bread, your Son, that we may live and not die. Amen.

Ut in Omnibus Glorificetur Deus.