One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and his disciples began to pick some heads of grain, rub them in their hands and eat the kernels. Some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath? Luke 6:1-2
Marianna, Florida, is a poor town with no soup kitchen, still affected by 2018 Hurricane Michael. Its food bank is on the far east side of town, inaccessible to most without a car. My husband is an Assistant State Attorney and hates prosecuting poor people for stealing food to feed their families. Today, corona virus is causing the shutdown of group travel, Disney, conventions, and sports events. Many will lose jobs and don’t realize they could go to any church for help. They will steal food to feed their families.
Jesus and His followers aren’t employed. It has been days since Levi Matthew’s banquet, and they’re hungry. Without food banks or soup kitchens, society made provisions for the poor. When grain was harvested, farmers were required to leave leftovers. It was also lawful for the poor to pick heads of grain from plants as long as they didn’t use a sickle to take the whole plant. So, Jesus’ Pharisee followers aren’t accusing Jesus of stealing. Pharisees followed strict Jewish law. They’re questioning Jesus working on the Sabbath.
Heavenly Father, we pray for physical and mental healing, jobs, and provisions for those affected by the coronavirus. Give church leaders the yearning to make known the assistance they are able to give. As your servants, Lord, show us ways to help.
We are praying for so many things right now concerning the Corona virus. It seems endless on how it will affect people and businesses. I am praying that this will turn around quickly so that people are well, businesses survive, employees keep their jobs etc. I just read that the school system that I work for is closing for a month. Three of the weeks the students will do e Learning to keep up on their studies and one week will be spring break. So the students continue to do what they should be doing…learning. The school system will also provide 2 meals a day, lunch and dinner, so students are eating healthy meals and not going hungry. Many families count on school meals because they can not afford to feed their children. I hope that other businesses will also step up to the plate and do the right thing. I will continue to pray and ask God to point me in the right direction if there is something that I can do to help. I am praying for Jennifer’s job too.
Thanks for all your prayers. You’ve become quite the prayer warrior. How are closed schools providing meals?
I am not sure how they are doing it but I have heard the schools here are providing meals too. I guess the cooks are in the kitchen doing what they always do. They did a feel good piece on TV tonight. A man that owns a small restaurant and he is making food and delivering it to those in need. Kindness wins again!
Thanks for encouraging me with a sweet story!