1  Kings 19:5-8

“He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.” vs. 8

Even though Elijah was exhausted and ready to give up his mission, the Lord wasn’t done with him. As the story-teller puts it, revived by bread from heaven, Elijah set his face toward Horeb, the mountain also known as Sinai. There in the place revered by Israel as the dwelling place of God he would await new instructions. It’s a remarkable tale, a story of God’s remarkable provision for people of faith in their times of spiritual need. Not surprisingly, it begins with a meal, one provided by angels who show up for us in our moments of despair. Most everyone has experienced that kind of caring, a primitive sharing that is rooted in community living. It’s just what we do when someone is hurting–nothing symbolizes caring so completely as a casserole warm from the oven. The food provides a strength that actually heals hurting souls. The same could be said about the holy meal that is regularly provided in many of our congregations. It’s here that we receive the true bread from heaven, the body of our Lord Jesus, and our spirits are cleansed, comforted, and renewed. The bread and wine of Holy Communion are our Mount Horeb, the dwelling place of God here on earth, and it’s at the Table that we are restored and our mission is affirmed.

Thought for the Day: How has food lifted me?