Leftovers

July 30, 2012 Monday Message:

YHWH: “They will eat and have some left over” 2 Kings 4:43b

There was famine in the region of the people of God, and a man brought Elisha twenty loaves. “Give it to the people to eat,” said Elisha.

Now, 20 loaves would feed 20 men, and perhaps allow 40 men to have a taste. But attempting to feed 100 would be out of the question. The men would be expecting a full meal, while all you could supply is the appetizer, and you’d soon have 100 frustrated men casting their anger in your direction.

Nonetheless, God had said, “They will eat and have some left over,” so Elisha did just as God asked, and passed out the bread. And it turned out exactly the way God said. Everyone ate all they wanted, and there were leftovers.

Our God, Yahweh-yireh, will provide. He is a God of abundance; he has thousands of cattle on thousands of hills. He can provide not only all that we need, but also a little extra - leftovers.

God’s provision becomes especially significant as Jesus in the City Fellowship takes on the challenging demographics of urban ministry. We are now in the most diverse neighborhood in the U.S., with over 100 languages spoken. The building where we meet is also home to Spanish-speaking and Ethiopian congregations. Neighborhood residents seem to have little pride in where they live and work; the population turns over every six months. Poverty and crime are out of control, and the police seem powerless to improve the situation. Their only hope is the local church.

As we were praying for the future of this ministry, it occurred to me that Jesus in the City will probably never be self-supporting. Even if we develop a significant number of local worshipers, they won’t have deep pockets. But the Bible says that God won’t send us on a mission without provision, and we’re counting on that! I believe that God will call benefactors, both individuals and congregations, to see the need to keep Jesus in the inner-city, and to step forward with the desperately-needed provision.

Our mission field is just north of Lake Street!

Norton Lawellin

Last week I was privileged to help with music for the Celebration of Life service for Evangelist Lowell Lundstrom. His church credits him with helping over one million people make a decision for Jesus.

Sunday, Aug. 5, Jesus in the City Fellowship worships in the Oliver Ministry building, 27^th Street & Bloomington Avenue, 10:30am. Pastor Daisy is ON, wrapping up Galatians!