Editorial November 26, 1960 Issue

The Divine Economy

Ralph E. Wagers

The ideal economy would be one in which there is never any deficiency or excess, any loss or waste, any deterioration or obsolescence; an economy in which nothing real is ever consumed or that which is used is never used up. The Master's feeding of the five thousand, as recorded in each of the four Gospels, is an effective illustration of such an economy.

The word "economy" was originally used when referring to the management of a household. We speak of the management of domestic affairs in general as an economy, a domestic economy. A definition of this word in connection with theology is, "The Creator's plan for the government of the world." Christ Jesus was so well acquainted with the divine economy and so much a part of it that he was able to demonstrate on earth the kingdom of God.

A group of about five thousand people followed Jesus into a desert place where he spoke to them of the kingdom of God and healed those who were sick (see Luke 9: 10-17). Concerned about the need of food, the disciples recommended that Jesus send the multitude into the towns and country round about. This is what the human economy would dictate. But, aware of a higher and more effective economy, Jesus knew that in spite of the evidence of the senses to the contrary, supply is always present and equal to the need. The creator's plan for the government of the world had already taken care of that.

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