We should be content with His daily allowance!
“Jehoiachin changed his prison clothes–and he dined regularly in the presence of the king of Babylon for the rest of his life. As for his allowance, a regular allowance was given to him by the king–a portion for each day, for the rest of his life.” 2 Kings 25:29-30
Jehoiachin was not sent away from the king’s palace with a ‘supply’ to last him for months, but his provision was given to him as a daily pension.
Herein he well pictures the happy position of all the Lord’s people. A daily portion is all that a man really needs. We do not need tomorrow’s supplies; for that day has not yet dawned, and its needs are as yet unborn. The thirst which we may suffer in the month of June–does not need to be quenched in February, for we do not feel it yet. If we have enough for each day as the days arrive–we shall never know want. Sufficient for the day–is all that we can enjoy.
We cannot eat or drink or wear more than the day’s supply of food and clothing; a surplus gives us the care of storing it, and the anxiety of watching against a thief. “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them!” Matthew 6:31-32
One staff aids a traveler–but a bundle of staffs is a heavy burden. Enough is not only as good as a feast–but is all that the greatest glutton can truly enjoy.
Enough is all that we should expect–a craving for more than this is ungrateful.
When our Father does not give us more—we should be content with His daily allowance.
Jehoiachin’s case is ours–we have . . .
a sure portion;
a portion given to us by the King;
a gracious portion;
and a perpetual portion.
Surely here is ground for thankfulness.
Beloved Christian reader, in matters of grace you need a daily supply. You have no store of grace. Day by dayyou must seek help from above. It is a very sweet assurance–that a daily portion is provided for you. In the Word, through the ministry, by meditation, in prayer, and waiting upon God–you shall receive renewed strength. In Jesus, all needful things are laid up for you. Then enjoy your continual allowance!
Never go hungry–while the daily bread of grace is on the table of mercy!
“Give us each day, our daily bread.” Luke 11:3
“As your days–so shall your strength be.” Deuteronomy 33:25
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Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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