God provides – Page 4

Jeremiah 13:1-14 – Jeremiah’s Underwear

3 dancing Aztecs wearing loincloth and head dress

Don’t you love when God uses “real life” items to make his point? Jeremiah often tells vivid stories given by God to illustrate Judah’s destiny. But I’m not sure how many loincloths I’ve seen being used in my lifetime in areas of the world where I’ve been. It would have made a lot more sense to people in Jeremiah’s day. Linen belts would be intimate pieces of clothing, like underwear. Linen was also used to make the priests’ robes, so it could be seen as “holy.” But the way God uses this illustration is stunning!

The message for us is not “be careful, linen doesn’t hold up too well if it’s buried in the ground.” What was the message you heard? God said to Jeremiah, “This shows how I will rot away the pride of Judah and Jerusalem.” Fun fact: linen gets stronger when wet, so when Jeremiah is told to not wash the garment, the linen is actually dry, its weakest state.

Philippians 4:10-14 – Finding Contentment

Read Philippians 4:10-14

Have you ever gone to bed hungry? Thankfully, I do not answer “yes” to that question. But there are plenty of people in this world who do. Paul was probably not immune to that reality, yet his faith was strong.

Some of the most faithful people I’ve encountered are those in poverty. Their trust in God’s provision and the resulting joy the experience is infectious. It’s also humbling to realize how weak my own dependence on God is in comparison.

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 – What We Need

Read 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Don’t feel awkward about reading someone else’s mail. As we get started with Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, it might feel a little like we’ve invaded a personal relationship. Instead, feel the peace and grace of God that Paul wishes on the young church.

“I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you.” Paul is one of those Bible heroes that I look forward to having long conversations with some day. When I read his letters, I imagine he is writing to me, and that is exactly how we should approach Paul’s letters. It will also be helpful to think about what the original audience would have been thinking.

1 Kings 19:1-8 – The Let Down

Read 1 Kings 19:1-8

Man looking into space with his head in his hands

It’s almost as if Elijah is giving up! We might wonder how he could even be afraid of Jezebel’s threats after the mighty way God showed up and used him. He probably did realize that, in spite of her oath, Jezebel’s gods wouldn’t kill her if she wasn’t successful. That just meant that Jezebel’s anger would live on, too.

Under the broom tree we see Elijah asking to die. He felt like he had done all he could. He was exhausted. He was depleted. It’s not surprising considering the great emotional high he just experienced on Mount Carmel.

2 Samuel 17:24-29 – Getting Ready for Battle

Read 2 Samuel 17:24-29

We get a glimpse of how the two sides are getting ready for battle. Absalom is mobilizing his troops and David and his men are being cared for and supported by non-Israelites! What a difference!

Absalom puts Joab’s cousin, Amasa, in charge as commander. That must have been quite an honor for Amasa. It’s not mentioned, but I can’t help but wonder if there was any tension for Amasa knowing his cousin was loyal to King David? Again unspoken, but how was young Absalom feeling in this moment?