God's Resourcefulness

Do you remember the drought of 46? Before you answer, I’m not talking about 1946, I’m asking if you recall the famine of AD 46. Josephus mentions it, and Agabus prophesied about it in Acts 11:28.

Agabus is mentioned only twice in Scripture, and both times he is delivering sobering prophecies. I'm thankful my name isn't, Agabus!

In Acts 21 he warns Paul that if he persists in his intent to go to Jerusalem he will be arrested and imprisoned. And then there is his famine prophecy in Acts 11.

Famine comes in variety and by degrees, but fundamentally it is a shortage, need, scarcity, or deficiency. It means your physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual well being is in jeopardy.

It is interesting to note the response to Agabus’ prophecy: Acts 11:29 says, “And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea. And this they did, sending it in charge of Barnabas and Saul to the elders.”

God has many options when it comes to meeting our needs.

In Acts 11 He chooses the option of drawing on the personal resources of the disciples in Antioch to meet the needs of the disciples in Jerusalem. While God’s means are limitless, His promise is singular: It is He who meets our needs (ref. Phil. 4:19).

So, God gives to us so we can participate with Him in giving. This is where I'm headed in my next post.