Isaiah 55:1-5…“Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you that have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” vs. 1
It’s hard to believe but our scriptures consistently teach that all the best things about life in this world are available to us free of charge. Nowhere are we told that it is a good thing to store up riches for ourselves and build our retirement portfolios. As the prophet told the Israelites, the wise will find delight in the blessings of creation, and not worry about working for those things which do not satisfy. It is enough to enjoy each day, breathe deeply from the oxygen provided by plants, eat simply, take pleasure in the birds and bees, and work together to provide for the common good.
Because the economic systems humans have developed operate with a good deal of variation, some people will end up with more goods than they really need for joyful living. And because evil lurks in our habits of accumulation there are vast discrepancies in our standards of living. Some are caught up in the tentacles of poverty while others have wealth beyond their wildest dreams. Fortunately, this is a problem that can be overcome!
Indeed, because Jesus has commanded us to look first to the needs of the hungry, thirsty, naked, imprisoned, and refugees, most congregations are offering support to a multitude of social agencies. We know this world has enough goods for all its people, and we want to make sure that happens.
Thought for the Day: When will hunger end?
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