Later, even in the barrenness of the wilderness, the people of Israel find daily provision from God, in the form of manna (Exodus 16) and water gushing from the rock (Exodus 17). And these material blessings are thoroughly integrated with the other benefits of knowing and loving the Creator. Part of the blessing of relationship with God is very definitely tangible, in-the-hand stuff. The word “blessing” or “blessed” is a central feature of the biblical story. God provides an abundance of resources and means for humans to flourish.Īs the writer of Genesis states early on in the story about the creation of humans, “God blessed them” (Genesis 1:28).
In the idyllic setting of the Garden of Eden, the first humans found a rich, fertile place, and humanity was intended to prosper in every sense. The account of Genesis 1 and 2 makes it clear that God planned for humanity to enjoy the beauty, abundance and fruitfulness of creation. God’s Original Intentions: Blessing, Provision, Abundance Back to Table of Contents Back to Table of Contents Basic provision is nonetheless an essential part of the discussion, of course, and we welcome further insight in this area, especially from those whose experience in living with poverty and anxiety about basic provision is greater than ours. Many who read this article may feel anxious about whether God will provide for their needs, but we guess that for the majority of readers, much of the anxiety is really about whether they will continue to enjoy a high level of wealth-by world standards-rather than basic provision. Overall, our emphasis is more on God’s intent for how we handle wealth, and less on what it means to depend on God for basic provision. How we should treat any wealth we possess.What we can reasonably expect from God in regard to our provision.God’s response in redeeming the economic sphere, and our role in this.The impact living in a fallen world has had on our capacity to experience provision and wealth.God’s original intentions for us regarding provision and wealth.So what does God’s word have to say to us? In this article we will explore: They occupy a large share of both the Old and New Testaments, and are prominent in the Gospels.
Indeed, provision and wealth are far from peripheral issues in the Bible. Such matters are to the fore in the lives of rich and poor employer, employee and job seeker student, parent and retiree homeowner, tenant and homeless person.įortunately, this concern for the economic is matched by the priority it is given in Scripture. Whatever situation we find ourselves in economically, questions and concerns about God’s intent and role in provision and wealth weigh heavily on almost every Christian’s mind. Then there are still other people who attain significant economic wealth, but this is gained through harming others or themselves.
Others find their needs are met, but only at great cost (emotional, physical, relational, environmental, moral or spiritual) to themselves and those around them. However, in the fallen world we inhabit, many people do not experience God’s abundant provision. Furthermore, God’s world has ample resources to provide all we need. He also desires for us to enjoy the wealth (abundance) of his generosity. He wants us to find provision (basic needs) for our daily life. God intends for everyone to thrive economically.
#OUT OF THE OVERFLOW OF THE HEART THE MOUTH SPEAKS SCRIPTURE HOW TO#
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