Embrace the Middle East Lent Study 5: Birds and sea creatures

God said, 'Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the vault of the sky.'– Genesis 1:20

In the beginning:

It’s a joyous image – the sea bubbling with new life, and the sky placing no limit on the birds' flight. And yet, such infinite spaces can also be full of the unknown. ‘Flight’ can mean a choice to embrace freedom – but for many, it’s an attempt to escape fear.

Begin by making a list of things God provides for humanity – for example, the sun and rain, land and plants.

Today’s reading: Matthew 6:25-34

Today’s questions:

  • 'Do not worry' – Jesus' words are so familiar that it's tempting to interpret them as a cosy reassurance that we can sit back and wait for God to sort everything out. But what if we see them instead as a call to action, commanding us to play our part in restoring the equality of provision that God intended?
  • Look again at the list you made. Does God really provide enough food, water, clothing and shelter for all His children? If He does, then why do millions of people worldwide go without these vital resources?
  • What are the effects (whether positive or negative, physical or emotional) of worrying?
  • Jesus uses the example of the birds of the air. They do not worry, and God provides for them. Yet we know that birds spend a great deal of time looking for food! What does this tell us about God's provision and our role in receiving it?
  • Re-read Matthew 6:33. Jesus emphasises the importance of seeking the Kingdom of God. Does He mean us to ignore the world and wait for an afterlife – or to advance God's kingdom right here?

Today’s focus:

Flight – in the sense of fleeing and escaping – has been the only option for millions of Syrians during the terrible conflict of the past few years. They have lost everything. Where will their next meal come from? How will they find shelter? What will their children's future hold?

It can be hard to reconcile Jesus' words – 'do not worry' – with the fact that so many people have so much to worry about. God provides for them, but they are being denied access to that provision by humanity's failure to live in peace and equality. Our partners in Lebanon distribute food parcels, blankets and heating stoves to refugees struggling to survive. All of these resources are funded by donations to Embrace the Middle East, and because so many people responded to our Syria appeals, we're also able to offer education for the children who had to leave their schools behind. Individually, we might not be able to influence political leaders or military factions, but if we can make a difference to one family at a time, we are doing the work of God's kingdom even amid the horrors of war.

And that was the fifth day:

  • If you are fasting or giving something up during Lent, use this opportunity to think about the distribution of God's provision in today's world, and learn more about making things fairer.
  • Even everyday activities such as food shopping can be a 'vote' for or against equality. Be mindful about the products you buy and consider whether they were produced ethically.
  • Undertake a sponsored walk, in aid of Embrace, and in solidarity with those who are forced to make long journeys to escape conflict.