ODJ: The Ultimate Source

September 27, 2016 

READ: Genesis 1:24-30 

Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food” (v.29).

The British Nutrition Foundation questioned 27,500 children and youth aged 5 to 16 about the origins of food. Nearly a third of UK primary pupils believe cheese is made from plants and a quarter said fish fingers come from chicken or pigs. The survey also revealed that some of the younger pupils thought that pasta and bread were made from meat. The BNF thinks this is tragic and is striving to educate students about where food comes from.

What’s even more tragic, however, is when believers in Jesus don’t understand the “ultimate” origin of their food. When God created the world, He provided food for us. In Mesopotamian mythology, people were to provide food for the gods. Genesis affirms that it’s the other way around— God created edibles for us. He blessed Adam and Eve with all kinds of things to eat (Genesis 1:29-30). He made the ground fruitful by causing crops to grow through His sovereign will. He promised to send the seasonal rains, and He declared that the land would yield good crops and the trees of the field would produce fruit to eat (Leviticus 26:4). As long as the earth remained, God would never leave people without evidence of Himself and His goodness—especially through the provision of food.

God’s goodness and faithfulness can lead us to respond in varying ways. One way might be to humbly acknowledge God as the ultimate source of all our food. He uses various means to provide for us, but it all originates from His sovereign hand. And recognizing that God is the ultimate source of what we eat can lead to heartfelt gratitude that flows into generosity.As we share our food with others—particularly those in need—we reflect the loving ways God provides for us.

—Marvin Williams

365-day plan: Matthew 27:57-66