Open Wide
Scripture Reading — Psalm 81
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.
1 Peter 2:2
Today is a day of celebration. We remember and rejoice that Jesus rose from the grave on the first day of the week. He has set us free from our sins and has sent his Spirit to provide for us on the journey of life. The Spirit of God nurtures us through the Word of God. Are you hungry for God's Word today?
Psalm 81 celebrates the Feast of Tabernacles, one of the great Old Testament feast days. The Israelites were reminded that for many years they had wandered in the wilderness without permanent homes. They remembered and celebrated that God had not only set his people free but had also supplied their needs for the wilderness journey.
"Open wide your mouth and I will fill it"-this verse reminds me of times when I have watched a mother bird feeding her newly hatched young. Their wide open mouths make up more than half of their bodies. No matter how hard the parents work, it seems impossible to provide enough food for the hungry hatchlings.
God calls us to celebrate his goodness and "open wide our mouths" so that we can receive "the pure spiritual milk of the Word."
If we are hungry for God's provision, he promises to fill our every need. He promises to fill our lives with the very best.
Father, thank you for your wonderful provision in our lives-especially for giving us your Word. May our lives be open wide to all that you say to us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
About the author — John Van Schepen
Dr. John Van Schepen is a retired pastor who served churches in Washington, Wisconsin, Indiana, Oregon and California. He and his wife, Willie, have been blessed with five children and several grandchildren.
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