A wistful sigh escaped from the young mother as she made lunch for her daughter. Staring at the empty basket on the table in their cramped living space, she thought, We can’t even afford fruit. Then she said out loud, “If we could just have a basket of fruit, I would feel rich!”
Weeks passed, and God sustained the young family with the provision of simple meals. Still, the struggling mom continued to worry. One day, her little girl scurried into the tiny kitchen. “Look Mommy, we’re rich! We have fruit!” she exclaimed as she lifted up a full basket from the table.
In the conclusion of the book that bears his name, Joshua—now an old man—relayed a message from God to His people. He recounted their inauspicious beginnings, their escape from slavery, and their great military conquests. “It was not your swords or bows that brought you victory,” Joshua said. “I [God] gave you land you had not worked on, and I gave you towns you did not build—the towns where you are now living. I gave you vineyards and olive groves for food, though you did not plant them” (Joshua 24:12-13).
Joshua challenged his people to choose between the one true God and the pagan gods. As a reminder of their commitment, he placed a huge stone near the tabernacle (Joshua 24:23-27).
Like the ancient Israelites, a young mother and her daughter experienced the presence and provision of God. They enjoyed fruit from trees that had been planted in their yard years earlier by a previous owner of their house. If you visit them, you’ll likely find a basket of fruit in their kitchen. Much like Joshua’s big rock, it’s a reminder that God is the true provider of all we need.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 9:1-41
More:
In Joshua 24:14-27, Joshua offers a warning and a challenge to the people. What is the warning (Joshua 24:19-20), and what is the challenge? (Joshua 24:14,23).
Next:
What examples of God’s provision in your life come to mind? How will you thank Him today for His ongoing faithfulness and loving care?
Gary Shultz on August 9, 2015 at 6:21 am
I like the part of the story where God sustained the family until the fruit came. The bowls of fruit certainly lead to rejoicing, but simple everyday life, is also a part of the gift. If we can be thankful with the standard fare how sweet the abundance. May our God be praised. Thank you.
Tim Gustafson on August 9, 2015 at 8:48 am
Gary, I’ve noticed another parallel. If we never have challenges and failures, our successes don’t seem nearly as sweet. The whole point is complete reliance on Christ.
daisymarygoldr on August 9, 2015 at 2:53 pm
Those who equate fruit basket to feeling rich will surely sigh again when there is no fruit to enjoy. God provides the basket of fruit from trees you did not plant. God also says your fruit baskets will be cursed (Deuteronomy 28:7).
In talking about fruits God gave them to eat from trees they did not plant, Joshua reaffirmed what Moses said earlier (Deuteronomy 6:11). And the point of bringing up the fruit basket? You must love the Lord, fear God, obey His commands and serve Him. ‘For we will be counted as righteous when we obey all the commands the Lord our God has given us.’ (Deuteronomy 6:25)
To the crowds that came seeking Him for bread, Jesus said, “do not be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life” (John 6: 27). “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.” (Matthew 6:33)
Lesson that we need to learn: it is not the ‘produce’ that makes us feel rich but the ‘Person’ who richly provides us with all we need. Those who truly know God will be content in every situation, whether it is with a full or empty stomach, with plenty or little—basket of fruit or no fruit in the kitchen.