Don't harm the oil and the wine

When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!" Revelation 6:5-6

The recent economic crisis our country is facing brought the above scripture to mind. It's from the book of Revelation and describes a time during the last days when there will be famine scattered throughout the earth. A time when it will take an entire day's wages to purchase one loaf of bread. One preacher interpreted the statement about oil and wine to mean that the rich grow richer and the poor poorer. Are we there yet? No. I believe things will get much much worse, but I can't help but think that our recent problems are only a precursor of things to come. This age is winding down and as we watch the prophecies of the Bible come to pass, we can't help but be a bit fearful.

Yet for those of us who truly follow Christ, who have commited our hearts and lives to Him, we need not fear. His Word clearly states that He will take care of us. Now, I don't mean that we will not suffer or that bad things won't happen to us. I do not subscribe to the prosperity gospel, but I do mean that as long as we are here on earth, God promises to attend to our needs:I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalm 37:25

In Matthew 6, Jesus tells us not to worry about what we shall eat or drink or what we shall wear, He tells us "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

I'm reminded of a story of a missionary in Jerusalem many years ago who ran an orphanage for Jewish children. It was during a time of war in Israel and food was scarce. Each evening at supper time, she would set the table for a grand meal for her and the children even though there was nothing cooking on the stove and the cubboards were bare. But she believed in God's Word and prayed each day for enough food to feed the children. And every night, God brought food in one form or another. Sometimes, people would leave a meal on her doorstep, sometimes friends would drop off leftovers from their own meal, or a chicken and eggs from their farm. They never went hungry. I love this story! It reminds me that if we love God with all our heart and take Him at his Word--have faith that He will do what He says He will do, then He is faithful to take care of us, just like He says.

I pray that as times grow harder and harder, we will grow closer to God, so that when tough times hit, we will have the faith to believe and receive all of His precious promises.