Good morning Children of God! Here is your Wednesday Message.
August 12, 2020
A feeding sock filled with nyjer seed has been hanging from a tree near our patio throughout the summer. It has been entertaining to watch the goldfinches and house finches descend upon the feeder and quickly deplete the supply. Perhaps even more satisfying has been the mourning doves that feed on the seed that falls to the ground as a result of the frenzied activity above. They are not able to cling to the sock as do the finches. Instead, they take in the fallen leftovers and seem content in doing so. The doves are gleaners. The finches are reapers.
Observing the finches and mourning doves has made me contemplate the subject of gleaning. It was a practice which existed in ancient Israel and is referenced in Leviticus 19:9-10. “When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleaning of your harvest. You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the Lord your God.” Restrictive reaping is an act of compassion and mercy. Human nature drives us toward selfishness and a desire to harvest to the very edges of our fields of possessions. God demands, however, that we leave enough for the poor and the stranger.
The obligation God placed on ancient Israel to harvest with compassion for those in need derived from the special covenantal relationship which existed between God and his people. God cares for all people therefore his children must care for all people. Jesus put it this way, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) While that is a standard that cannot be met, it is definitely a directive to guide us in our daily living.
When we are living with an attitude of generosity toward people in need, leftovers will fall from our abundance and be a blessing to them. Within our community of faith, it is inspirational to see the many ways that compassionate sharing takes place. The children of God are like finches on a feeder. God has given us plenty to the point of being able to share and spread our abundance to others, sometimes even without knowing. This attribute will be critically important in days to come as the pandemic has roughed up our national economy and so many are suffering.
In taking stock of our respective fields, it is well for us to be mindful of the edges and the corners. What has God given to you that might actually be intended for others? In your relationship with God, think of yourself as an agent or trustee. Some of the blessing that you possess, the edges and the corners, are yours to give and not to consume. Sharing out of your God-given abundance is an action undertaken from a sacred trust.
When I consider the topic of gleaning, I think of the children of God not only as finches spreading blessing but also as mourning doves who hunger and thirst for any righteousness they can receive along the way. A popular Bible story that illustrates this characteristic is found in Matthew 15:21-28. A Canaanite woman asked Jesus to heal her daughter. His response was: “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” He was noting the historical and cultural distinction that existed between Jews and all other people. One of the finest lines in Holy Scripture is found in the woman’s reply: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” The Canaanite woman had the heart of a gleaner, convinced that with God there is plenty of blessing to go around and with no dilution in quality. Jesus affirmed her great faith and healed her daughter instantly.
When you are feeling spiritually empty or despairing or worried, remember that in God’s Kingdom the edges and corners of the field are always available and that they are enough. God’s vineyard has not been stripped bare. His blessings abound and they will sustain you in your time of need. The mourning dove is physically challenged to the point of eating leftovers beneath the feeder and yet it is nourished and lives. So also, your Father in heaven has ordered matters such that you will be spiritually fed and shall live.
Jesus was given to us to sustain us and give us life. In old Israel, a sufficient supply of grapes was to be left on the vine so that all could survive. In the vineyard of the Lord Jesus, there is plenty of grace giving life to the whole of God’s creation. Glean the blessings of Jesus Christ. Share the blessings of Jesus Christ. Live and let live.
Peace and blessings,
Pastor Bill