Rationing

IN these days the term “rationing” is familiar to all, when so much is written and spoken regarding Government plans for allowing but a limited and stated weight of certain foods to each person throughout the Nation. This is far from being a modern method of food control in times of national adversity; for we read in Leviticus xxvi. 26: “And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver you your bread again by weight; and ye shall eat, and not be satisfied.” These words were spoken by the Lord to Israel in indicating how matters would fare with them should He be compelled to walk contrary to them, rationing of bread would be experienced.

Let us touch some steps leading to this particular circumstance, as set forth in the afore-mentioned chapter in Leviticus. At the outset, there is the serious fact of the nation walking contrary to God, by living in opposition to His revealed will for their spiritual and eternal good—”And if ye will not be reformed by these things, but will walk contrary unto me; then will I also walk contrary unto you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins” (verses 23-24). The iniquities and sins of the people in our own land have for many years now testified against us that we are chargeable with walking contrary to the Most High. Israel was threatened with the sword, the judgment of war, as a punishment for their sins—”And I will bring a sword upon you and shall avenge the quarrel of my covenant”—verse 25. And what is Britain that she should escape the punishment threatened against others for ungodliness? We are not avoiding the rod, for we are involved in war to-day.

Miseries varied and severe come with war—”And when ye are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you”—verse 25. No definite type of pestilence is here mentioned, as that was unnecessary, inasmuch as any pestilence which the Lord might permit would be afflictive enough in addition to the suffering endured in the ordinary course of war. And when thought is given on these lines to our national adversities to-day, we are confronted with the pestilence or menace of the ruthless German submarine and mine activities. Our merchant ships and those of neutral countries, bringing large quantities of food to our shores, are being sunk quite frequently and this means fewer ships to sail the seas and less of certain foods available to the inhabitants of this Island. The shortage is not in any way serious as yet, but there it is. As already stated, Israel in walking contrary to God would experience a shortage of the staff of life—”Ten women shall break your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver your bread again by weight.” Flour would be so scarce that the baking of bread for ten households could be done in one oven instead of the ten separate family ovens; and the carefulness in allocating to each household their appropriate share would require the bread to be weighed out in ten separate portions. Here we have rationing in these ancient times as the outcome of sin and as a token and evidence of divine displeasure against Israel. It is intended that rationing of certain foods (not bread, we should be thankful) be put into operation in our own country in these times of war and emergency. Food Control offices have been established and Ration Books have been issued to every individual, with the end in view that we receive weekly, a limited and stated weight of beef, butter, bacon and sugar. As time goes on under war conditions, this may well be extended to other commodities. Such a state of affairs has not come upon so highly favoured a Nation without special significance and with a message of its own to every household and individual. God is declaring even by our Ration Books that He is walking contrary to us because of our national sins. Let us, young and old, hear and repent and turn to the infinite fullness of grace and truth which resides in the divine Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ. “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all other things shall be added unto you.”—R. R. S.