Costco. Protein Balls. The Book of Ruth?
I recently went to Costco for a few items and walked out a few hundred dollars in the red. I reluctantly picked up a bag of pre-made protein balls. They seemed expensive, and I only felt a few in the bag compared to the price. As I made my way to the checkout line, I switched them out for some Skinny Dipped Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. After eating them later, I will have you know, I made the right choice.
What do Costco and protein balls have to do with the book of Ruth?
The book of Ruth begins by stating two hard truths about what God’s people were facing in their lifetime: the judges’ ruling and a famine that hit hard.
“Judges ruling” does not sound so bad at first glance, but the last verse of Judges tells us how difficult it truly was: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25).
During the time of the judges, Israel was a mess. Leaders were serving themselves instead of their people. Individuals did whatever they needed to survive. Many had forgotten the Lord and were lost in idolatry. On top of that, there was a famine. Food was scarce, and stomachs were empty.
Costco is not a place of famine. It is a warehouse of abundance. Thanksgiving is approaching, which for many of us means tables full of food and joy. Yet during this recent government shutdown, many were reminded that not everyone feasts. Not everyone shops at Costco. Some depend on ongoing assistance. Others of us take full fridges and full plates for granted.
This shutdown also helped me look even further to realize there are real famines going on right now in parts of the world. People in parts of Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Yemen, Gaza, and other areas go without food daily.
No matter your position in life, how will you respond to these realities?
Let’s pause and reflect on a few verses that center our hearts on God:
The Apostle Paul knew what it was to have plenty and what it was to be hungry (Philippians 4:11-12).
Jesus invited us to pray for daily bread (Matthew 6:11).
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it (Psalm 24:1).
The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing (Psalm 23:1).
Do not forget to do good and to share with others (Hebrews 13:16).
Pause and speak aloud with gratitude to the Great Giver, our Almighty God, for the daily provisions He has provided for you, your family, and your community.
Pause and pray that those who go hungry would have the daily food provided for them today.
Sometimes we live in seasons of plenty where the pantry is full and the decisions are easy. Other times, we live closer to Ruth, making careful choices, feeling the strain of what is uncertain or scarce. The invitation is the same in both places: look to God as the One who provides daily bread and share with others when you are able.
All we have is a gift from God. May we share with open hands with others around us.
How might you be generous with your daily bread this Thanksgiving?
Grace and Peace
Jake and Anthony
This week’s Pause was written by Jacob Boessling
This week’s Pause was written by Jake Boessling
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