Lessons Learned from My Sickness Part 12: The Mysterious Generosity of the Raven
By Pastor Ronny Luces
In part 7 of these lessons, I have shared with you the creation of God’s Wallet, which served as concrete proof of God’s sufficient grace – that in times of our greatest need – God never fails to send us his compassion and support.
A theological insight my sister Gina shared made us more hopeful in committing ourselves to God through this God’s wallet, for it’s up to his will and power (not on our own capacity) where to get resources for my treatment.
She referred our attention to the story in I Kings 17:1-6, the story of Elijah and the ravens.
According to her, ravens (they are similar to our crows in appearance and characteristics) by nature are selfish and cruel. Mother ravens were known to abandon their newly hatched chicks and left them to survive by themselves.
In Noah’s story, the raven was the first bird to be released to see if there’s any dry land where the ark can settle. But the raven just kept on flying back and forth and didn’t enter the ark.
This was because the raven was seeking the carcass of dead creatures and wanted to gorge itself without thinking about other animals’ welfare inside the ark.
In other words, you can’t expect generosity, service and concern from a raven.
And yet, in Elijah’s case, he was fed by ravens who brought him bread and meat every morning and evening. Here we find the “mysterious generosity of the ravens”.
Reflecting on it theologically, my sister confidently declared that God can touch the heart of people and WILL be able to make their heart generous!
In other words, God can generate resources that we need through His power – by His touch.
Even a selfish raven can be generous – when God touches him/her and make him/her a channel of blessing!
Posted on FB: 6 March 2015 – 9:55 PM
About the Author
Rev. Ronny Luces was the Minister for Administration and Community Service of the Jaro Evangelical Church (JEC), Iloilo City, Philipines. He and his wife, Martha have been with JEC’s ministry since 1994.
Pastor Ronny graduated from Central Philippine University College of Theology in 1985 and was pastor of several Baptist churches.
In January 2015, after tests and two long hospital confinements, Pastor Ronny got the word he had lung cancer. He underwent chemotherapy.
Praying for healing and going through all the medical processes, Pastor Ronny wrote his reflections “Lessons Learned from My Sickness.” In July 2015, he passed away.
May Pastor Ronny’s series of reflections and meditations strengthen your hope and faith as you go through your own life’s battles.
PHOTO CREDIT:
Leave a Reply