In 1945 my father was the principal of an elementary school in Duncannon, Pennsylvania. That entitled him to a few extra gallons of gasoline made possible by receiving extra little red ration tokens. As I am sitting here holding some of those tokens I find it difficult to imagine rationing. It was a different time when World War II demanded all manner of limitations on what people could purchase. Items like shoes, cheese, sugar, rubber items and even typewriters were on the ration list.
It occurs to me that God has a no ration list and a ration list. On His no ration list is grace. There is a limitless supply of His willingness and ability to completely and totally forgive us from misdemeanors and felonies. (Are there such things in His kingdom or is a sin a sin?) What I do know is no matter how heinous it might be He will upon our request blot it out. Wow.
On His ration list would be power. Power is something that has to be limited to the user’s ability to use it wisely. Too much power in the hands of a novice can be deadly. He gives us just enough for our daily needs. Jesus told us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” I like the term “just enough.” It reminds me of Goldilocks. Not too hard, not too soft, not too hot and not too cold. Our heavenly Father knows us so well and can grant us all manner of blessings in a “just enough” manner.
I am thankful He rations. Humans can be very dangerous when given too much of most everything. Grace is excluded. How grand.
Written by Roger Bothwell on April 10, 2015
Spring of Life, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
rogerbothwell.org