Psalm 104:15 says that God brings forth “wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man’s heart.” All of these have a natural application. A cabernet does gladden the heart. A loaf of bread gives the body strength. And oil causes man’s face to shine. But there are sacramental applications of each of these as well. Before us is heavenly wine that gladdens the soul, celestial bread which strengthens that soul, and the unearthly oil is our dwelling together in unity, this unity being like oil upon the head which runs down the beard of Aaron (Psalm 133).

These three: gladness, strength, and the glory of unity. These three are present here in our midst. These hallmarks of the Christian faith stun the world, which traffics in the opposite. To them, all is sorrow, weakness, and fragmented darkness. No wine, no bread, no oil.

So see to it that you come to partake of these heavenly gifts. God makes them grow, after all. They do not originate with you and neither can you go out and earn them. They come to you from your generous Father who does not change His stance of steadfast love toward you and yours.

You will need continual supplies of these three. To discover you are in need of gladness, strength, and the unity of the Spirit is no trouble at all. That is expected. You are hungering, thirsting, and dimming by design. Each of these come to you like your daily bread does. So your job is not so much to store up these provisions in the pantry for future use as it is to eat, drink, and shine. So come in faith and welcome to Jesus Christ.