He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food from the earth. (Psalm 104:14)

In these few words, there is embedded a plethora of Biblical principle. In previous devotions, we have already emphasized the Creator’s great care for all of His creation: establishing the earth so that it will not be moved, and able to provide for the needs of all who inhabit it. This includes setting boundaries that allow for the preservation of life, whether in the seas, the air or on dry land. In the verse above, this provision is underscored by the statement, “He causes the grass to grow for the cattle.” Animals were not given the ability to engage in agriculture and, consequently, are completely dependent upon the Creator’s goodness in that He causes the rain to fall on ground in order to produce vegetation.

Man is likewise dependent hence the statement, “and vegetation for the service of man,” but has been given the ability to cultivate, to sow and to reap. Actually, not only was man given the intelligence to do these things but, as a result of the fall, it became a responsibility and a chore if he wanted to eat. As it is written, “Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life. … In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground” (Genesis 3:17, 19). While God causes vegetation to grow for the service of mankind, we must provide the labor in order for the ground to produce all we need. The sweat we provide so that we may eat is a reminder of the consequences of sin. Before Adam invited sin into the world, man could freely eat of the garden — much like how God provides for the animals in the field — but no more. Now we must toil and labor “that we may bring forth food from the earth.”

Though we must contend with thorns and thistles in order to have bread to eat, our beneficent Father in Heaven, rewards those who strive to overcome the weeds and thorns with that which sustains life — our daily bread. Of course, this leads us to focus on what is truly important and life-giving — the bread that only He can give. And because of the Heavenly Bread, namely in the person of the Messiah, we have the hope and promise that, one day, you and I will be able to return to the Garden. If we remain faithful, we will be granted the privilege of walking among the trees of Paradise, freely eating of the Lord’s provision, as we commune with our Creator.

In the meantime, let us remember the words of Yeshua who said, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; … Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”(Matthew 6:25-26). Don’t worry; He will provide.

Blessings and Shalom,  

Bill