Basin theology
12 Baskets Full
A Tabitha Basket April 2021
I was deeply touched by a conversation between a pastor and an active layman, on the topic of giving the other day. The pastor was challenged with, “You preachers talk a lot about giving, but when you get right down to it, it all comes down to basin theology.”
“Basin theology? What’s that?” the pastor wanted to know.
The layman replied, “Remember what Pilate did when he had the chance to acquit Jesus? He called for a basin and washed his hands of the whole thing. But Jesus, the night before his death, called for a basin and proceeded to wash the feet of the disciples. It all comes down to basin theology: Which one will you use?”[1]
I have always liked people who ask hard, honest questions – not rude questions! There is a big difference. Cutting through all the fluff, they get to the heart of the matter and the truth is, we all need honest confrontations from time to time. Thus, my two questions to you today: Who are you serving? Who are you strengthening?
Let’s get practical
Jesus shared in our humanity, suffered in the body and broke the power of sin forever. While on earth, He ministered emotionally, spiritually and physically to both men and women. This week we will focus on the basic physical needs of others.
While I will make some suggestions, the idea is that you will adapt your basket according to the needs of the family you are reaching out to – whether a single Mum, a family with a baby or an elderly couple.
Food: Jesus was hungry.[2]
When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, he mentioned that we should ask for our daily bread. As a friend likes to point out, there was no mention of butter, jam and cheese! Thus, I too will try to keep my suggestions as basic as possible.
I would start with staples like rice, pasta, flour (wheat and/or maize), baking powder, oil, salt and dry milk. Next, I would add proteins like tinned tuna, a variety of tinned beans, lentils and veggies – also tinned to ensure a longer shelve life in case the family does not have a refrigerator. Mayonnaise, chicken stock, sugar, coffee and tea, as well as veggies like pumpkin, potatoes and sweet potatoes, are other food items I would add. As are a treat – a tin of condensed milk, jam and peanut butter, cool drink, and definitely some fresh fruit. A gift card from a local grocery store close to them is another practical way to bless a family – allowing them the freedom to do their own shopping. That will allow for more fresh items, too.
I believe this section is not complete without adding some veggie seeds. The idea of growing your own garden – even if in pots or old tyres, fills me with hope, while the potential to care and nurture, both empowers and educates.
Medicine: Is there no balm in Gilead?[3]
Jesus did not only heal us of a sickness called sin, but He ceaselessly cared for people’s physical pains and ailments. He sent John’s disciples back with this reassuring news: the blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. [4]
As you collect a box of plasters, some paracetamol and a few sachets of rehydrate, I want to challenge you to address some of the underlying issues people with low-income, battle.
While clean water is something people in the West take for granted, it is not so elsewhere in the world. Contaminated water and poor sanitation are linked to a number of preventable diseases, like cholera, diarrhoea, hepatitis A, and many more. How do we help?
Support projects run by NGO’s and missionaries, both at home and abroad. These can vary from providing filters and chlorine tablets to building wells and better sewage systems at schools and in villages.
Back to our Tabitha basket. Please add both personal care items and household cleaning supplies: laundry detergent, disinfectant, surface cleaner, dishwashing gel; deodorant, shampoo, soap, body lotion, toilet paper, toothpaste, baby products or tampons – as is applicable for your basket.
Clothing: Why do you worry about clothes? [5]
With the onset of Autumn and significantly cooler days, many will be worried about warm clothes and blankets. Let us not get tired of doing good, but step up to the plate. Often our cupboards are full of clothes we hardly wear and spare bedding we seldom use. This should not stop you from adding new underwear and socks to your basket. Let’s live generously. I believe it is Anne Frank who said, “No one has ever become poor by giving!” I believe it is true.
[1] 750 Engaging Illustrations, number 625
[2] Mark 11:12
[3] Jeremiah 8:22
[4] Matthew 11: 4,5
[5] Matthew 6:28
