In an article that appeared in the media, I read about a research that showed that to get through the night, plants do complex and accurate calculations that allows them to use up their starch reserves at a constant rate so that they run out of it almost precisely at dawn. Quoting a Metabolic Biologist the article read, “The calculations are precise so that plants not only prevent starvation but also make the most efficient use of their food. If the starch store is used too fast, plants will starve and stop growing during the night. If the store is used too slowly, some of it will be wasted.”
What scientists are discovering now about the behavior of God’s creation is consistent with the very principle of saving that God was trying to teach us several thousands of years before, even at the Exodus of Israel from Egypt. The Apostle Paul’s words in 2Corinthians 8:15 summarizes this principle: As it is written, “He who gathered much did not have too much and he who gathered little had no lack.”
God’s principle of saving revolves around trusting Him and depending on Him. “Look at the birds of the air,” said our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, “they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” (Mt. 6:26) Trusting the Creator and depending completely on Him means that one believes this God to be unfailing in faithfulness; mindful and caring; and completely able.
God has demonstrated that He is mindful and caring in that even before He made man, He provided for man (Gen. 1: 11, 27 and 29). God has shown He is faithful in that there is not a day when the birds of the air go unfed or the children of the righteous go hungry (Psa. 37:25). God has demonstrated He is able because it is now over 6000 years since He has created this earth and He still upholds all things by the word of His power (Heb.1:3).
In short, the principle of saving could go like this: Gather only what you need; give the rest cheerfully (2Cor. 9:7) in order to bless those who have need (Eph. 4:28).
However, unbelieving man with his insatiable greed to possess and own has not only violated the principle of God but has abused, robbed and stripped the earth to her present state. Even someone like Gandhi could see this and remark, “There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed.”
The Church has one of the most priceless privileges to demonstrate the faithfulness, care and ability of God. By her complete, absolute and unshakable trust in her Redeemer, she can be that witness of God that He is dependable. The Lord Jesus’ rebuke, “Are you not worth much more than they (birds)?” Mt. 6:26 still sounds clear but is anybody listening?
Let us strive, with a renewed mind – a mind not conformed to this world or the thinking of this world – to prove and demonstrate what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect (Rom.12:2). As for those who put their trust in Him, they will not be disappointed (Rom. 10:11).
