A “through the bible” devotion from Deuteronomy 28.
Towards the end of Deuteronomy we encounter a catalogue of blessings and curses, some of which are quite specific.
This one caught my eye and earned a place in my journal: “If you obey the Lord your God, blessed will be your basket and your kneading bowl” (Deuteronomy 28:5). If you choose not to obey, “Cursed will be your basket and your kneading bowl” (Deuteronomy 28:17).
Over the past year I’ve learned how to bake sourdough bread. I’ve figured out the best way to feed the mason jar of starter on the kitchen counter. I use a kitchen scale to weigh out my bread flour, water, salt, and starter for dough. I bake bread in the used cast iron dutch oven I purchased on eBay. I know how many times to stretch my dough before tucking it in for the night in the refrigerator. I have rice flour on hand for the overnight proofing. (Rice flour is inert; it doesn’t react with the dough.)
It’s not an exact science. Every loaf turns out different depending on the weather, how long I let the dough proof, the brand of flour I use, and how the starter is feeling that day. I’ve had some loaves that were impossible to slice because the crust was too tough. I’ve had others that were kind of gummy inside. And I’ve baked some really nice, tasty loaves, too.
Anyway, I would love it if God blessed my kneading bowl! It’s kind of funny to think that he would be a part of the bread baking process. I realize this is an image of God’s blessing in your home. But I still like to picture a really nice loaf of bread cooling on a rack in the kitchen!
The blessings of living as God’s people find their way into every area of life. He wants to bless our families, flocks, fields, homes, and travel. And when I read the much longer list of curses that follow (Deuteronomy 28:15ff), I’m more than ready to repent and get my act together!
Waite for it... 