Table in the Wilderness

Like the Saviour of mankind, of whom he was a type, Elisha in his ministry among men combined the work of healing with that of teaching. Faithfully, untiringly, throughout his long and effective labors, Elisha endeavored to foster and advance the important educational work carried on by the schools of the prophets…. It was on the occasion of one of his visits to the school established at Gilgal that he healed the poisoned pottage….

At Gilgal, also, while the dearth was still in the land, Elisha fed one hundred men with the present brought to him by “a man from Baalshalisha,” “bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and full ears of corn in the husk thereof.” …

What condescension it was on the part of Christ, through His messenger, to work this miracle to satisfy hunger! Again and again since that time, though not always in so marked and perceptible a manner, has the Lord Jesus worked to supply human need….

It is the grace of God on the small portion that makes it all-sufficient. God’s hand can multiply it a hundredfold. From His resources He can spread a table in the wilderness. By the touch of His hand He can increase the scanty provision and make it sufficient for all. It was His power that increased the loaves and corn in the hands of the sons of the prophets….

When the Lord gives a work to be done, let not men stop to inquire into the reasonableness of the command or the probable result of their efforts to obey. The supply in their hands may seem to fall short of the need to be filled; but in the hands of the Lord it will prove more than sufficient. The servitor “set it before them, and they did eat, and left thereof, according to the word of the Lord.” …
The gift brought to Him with thanksgiving and with prayer for His blessing, He will multiply as He multiplied the food given to the sons of the prophets and to the weary multitude.
Conflict and Courage p. 226
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Prayer Requests
—–Please pray for Wayne and family. His mother died during the night. Alaine
—–Please pray for my daughter today. Thanks. Vanessa
—–Please pray for promotion opportunities for Tamara and for a teacher, Brittany, for guidance and a teaching spirit. Jennifer
—–I am running out of work at work. Please pray that God sends more work so that I do not lose my job. Andy
—–Please pray for Jerry whose cancer is back. L
—–I need wisdom and discernment from on High. Please pray. Jacob
—–PRAYER REQUEST:….DAVID recently had a stroke. Mary
—–Please pray for my grandmother who fell on her side and it doesn’t seem to be healing. Please pray that her faith is strong and she doesn’t feel discouraged, and if she does please pray that she feels and sees the love of God and others around her. Desirae
—–Please pray for my granddaughter who is confused on the creation/evolution issue. Brenda
—–I have a cousin who is fighting colon cancer and is having special radiation treatments. He has to have them this month on the 15th, 17th, 20th, 22nd, 24th, Please pray that he will come through them safely and it will clear up rest of cancer. Loraine
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Dear Friends,
Years ago when we lived in the Northwest, while camping at our favorite campground, Ron and I took a little canoe ride. Other than the campground host, we were the only campers, so all was peace and serenity. As we were enjoying the solitude, Ron spotted an animal swimming ahead of us. Quietly, he sculled our craft closer to get a better look. We discovered that it was a muskrat. Because of Ron’s skill in paddling a canoe, Mr. muskrat didn’t know that we were there. We followed him as he swam to a protected spot along the shoreline. Overhanging tree branches and a dead tree lying parallel with the shoreline made a secluded cove for the muskrat family’s home. From their burrow under the bank, Mrs. muskrat, along with four or five little ones, emerged and greeted him happily. We sat motionless and watched the proceedings.
Suddenly, another muskrat face appeared at the entrance of their den. This creature spotted us and gave a warning whistle. Instantly our muskrat family disappeared. As we looked at the spot where they had been a moment before, we spotted one baby looking at us with fear-filled eyes. In his fright, he had forgotten where the hole was and had run the opposite direction. Realizing that he was discovered, he flattened himself against the shore under an exposed tree root and hoped for the best. We watched to see what he would do. Moments later, one of this terrorized baby’s parents came to the entrance and whistled softly. That terror-strickened youngster did not need a second invitation. Instantly, he made a dive for the burrow.
Just as that little muskrat became confused and disoriented, so we sometimes find ourself in a similar situation. We have lost our way. Trouble is all around. We know not which way to turn. We are as a sheep who has wandered away from the flock. Our dear Saviour assures us, “What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” Luke 15:4-7 “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:11-15 Praise God! We have a Good Shepherd, Who left the glories of Heaven, endured all of the hatred that the evil one could heap upon Him, and gave His life for His perishing sheep. What love: what wonderful love!
Just as that muskrat parent gave his child direction to his home, so our Loving Father promises, “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Isa 30:21, Ps 32:8 Precious promises! We do not have to wander any longer! We do not have to stay confused, disoriented, lost! There is a Way of escape! Our Dear Saviour is the Way the Truth and the Life! John 14:6 We can safely follow His leading!
“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and for ever. Amen.” Jude 24,25
Rose