February 6, 2013
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 14:13-21
OBSERVATIONS
John was Jesus’ cousin; He needs time to grieve. He was probably also sensing also His own future. Notice how though He needs time alone, He doesn’t get it.
Jesus has compassion. This is an important part of the story. He sees peoples’ need, He knows peoples’ struggles, He cares for people and does what He can to help them – to heal the sick and feed the hungry. We may get stuck on HOW He did it, but THAT He did something is even more important.
Jesus is training His disciples to do what they can. We tend to get stuck on what we can’t do, on our inability. Jesus challenges them to see what they do have, and to harness their potential to Him (bring them to me) and to God (looking up to heaven).
How many people, maybe double, or was it primarily men, with a handful of men and women?
What do you notice in this passage?
APPLICATION
Jesus had compassion; do we, do I?
Jesus focused on what He had, not on what He didn’t have; on what He could do, not what He couldn’t. Where do we focus, where do I focus?
By myself I know I do not have enough, but what I have – no matter how small or limited – is more than enough when connected to Jesus (bring them to Him) and to God (look up to heaven)!
We have compassion for the community where we live, where our church meets. We are a small group, we have limited resources and manpower. Yet what we have is what we need – if we have God, Jesus and compassion in our hearts.
I don’t know how Jesus multiplied the food, and it strains the limits of my credulity… except I know that somehow God and Jesus are in the blessing of expanding and multiplying that which is good.
God wants me/us to do something – YOU give them something to eat!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, by myself I can do nothing. With You my potential expands exponentially, immeasurably more than I could ask or imagine. Give me compassion, and a willingness to bring what I have to You, and look up to God, trusting that He will multiply my weak, insufficient efforts.
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Food.
I have attended events, conferences, etc., some in remote locations, and usually, unless arranged for in advance, I need to arrange for my own meals. I think that the people in attendance would have been fine with this as well. In fact the disciples are suggesting to Jesus, that he make a break in his program, to allow for a lunch break. We are told 5000 men, not including women and children. (Why don’t we take attendance that way, we usually include women and children in our counts) There could have been 15000-20000 people there!
I have sometimes been asked to do something where I did not have the resources to accomplish what I have been asked. Company may come unexpectedly for dinner, and there is no food in the house. (Kind of sounds like another parable?) I wonder if the masses even knew that a miracle was taking place. This miracle was not because of an emergency, illness or trauma. This was another reason to hang out together and have some social time. Like the changing of water to wine, Jesus cares about small details in our lives. Our having a party together makes God smile.
I pray that I can look to God for all areas of my life. I need to let him in, and not be so independent and self centered. I pray for His strength for myself and my family.
Observations:
The crowds followed – the Bread of life. They knew that it was best to follow – to seek and find – even to this solitary place. And they were not disappointed – healing of both body and soul – being fed – both body and soul. With leftovers! And the people were happy – satisfied. It was beyond their expectation!
Application:
I too need to come to the living Source, to a place set aside and spend time with God in order to be fed. He will strengthen. He will provide. He will renew. He will replenish so that I can continue on my journey, but I must come to the Source – the Living Source. My LifeSource. GodPower to enable me day after day. Both body and soul. Be filled and renewed and be satisfied. God enabled to do what He desire me to do also this day.
Prayer:
Thank You Lord for the gifts given to enable me to do what You have asked me to do – to live for You. May I go forward this day enabled by GodPower. Lead me and guide me also this day.
Guide me, O thou great redeemer,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but thou art mighty,
Hold me with thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven, bread of heaven
Feed me till I want no more;
Feed me till I want no more.
Open now the crystal fountain
Whence the healing stream doth flow;
Let the fire and cloudy pillar
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong deliverer, strong deliverer;
Be thou still my strength and shield;
Be thou still my strength and shield.
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Death of death, and hell’s destruction
Land me safe on Canaan’s side:
Songs of praises, songs of praises,
I will ever give to thee;
I will ever give to thee.