Addendum to the Ant

Since my last post, the very same day, in fact, we have met with some friends of ours for a Shabbat service, and ironically, the subject for our midrash (discussion of investigation of the scriptures) was how we are to conduct ourselves as Jewish followers of Yeshua (Jesus of Nazareth) in the last days. There were some very good points brought up there amongst the believers. (That's what I LOVE about being part of a community of faith) And as the Body of Messiah, we often compliment one another's lives with our different gifts and points of view. When we search the scriptures together and grapple with the many issues of living a life a faith, others can help to bring balance to our own belief systems.

The most interesting part of our discussion that day was that some scriptural principles were brought up that bear repeating when we are considering the ant (see previous post).

The most important thing is that God will take care of His own, come good times or bad. Now, that does not mean that we will have a dandy, carefree life here on earth. In fact, Jesus Himself warned his followers that they would have persecution and rough times. But in the context of worrying about this life and the provision for our needs, Yeshua told us to "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you as well".

He told his followers to consider the birds of the air. They neither sow nor reap and they do not store up in barns (as people are advised to do), and yet, their Heavenly Father provides for them. Then He says something that puts it all into perspective. He says we are much more valuable then they.

Some have also brought up the fact that Yeshua did at least 2 miracles of multiplication on at least 2 separate occassions. He multiplied the loaves (of bread) and the fishes for the people to consume who came to hear his teachings. There are many other miracles of provision throughout both old and new testaments in the Bible to add strength to this point.

So we know that God is well able and willing to provide for His children in times of trial and scarcity. True believers can take comfort in this.

There is also the issue of protection, which I like to pray from Psalm 91. In fact, the Jewish people as a whole recite psalms on many different occassions and I can imagine that many still do recite Psalm 91 before scary times such as before going into battle. Since we are in a constant spiritual battle, praying Psalm 91 is a powerful and effective way to put our trust in the Lord and in His promises of protection during times of calamity and stress. If you have not read this Psalm or have not read or prayed it recently, I highly recommend that you do.

So while we are considering the ant of Proverbs 6, and seeing how we can learn from and apply this principle of scripture, it would do us well to remember that our God is the God of MORE than enough. And He is the author of the impossible.