fear not

Sunday November 11^th, 1 Kings 17: ¹³ Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. ¹⁴ For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.' The presence of the Lord is announced with the words “do not be afraid.”  This is a pattern that would repeat itself again and again, both in scripture and in our lives.  Another principle that will repeat itself, as if for emphasis, is the need to be a gracious person and to give to others.  Even in our times of need, and perhaps especially in our times of need, we mostly need to remember the other.  In the midst of financial difficulties faced by many in our congregation, we need to remember the many for whom Lutheran Social Services ministers, for their need is greater.  In the midst of our belt tightening which may mean going out to eat less often, we need to remember those for whom belt tightening means eating less often.  This countenance of grace and giving is a gift for ourselves even more so than for the other.  Fear Not, Don’t be afraid, the Lord is with you and will not forget you in your need.