June 22
Mark 6:30-44
In the parable of the mustard seed, we learned that big things can come from tiny beginnings. This story is similar. It is proof that God can use a very small offering to bless many many people! John’s version of this story says “Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, ‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’” (John 6:8-9 NIV) The only person who had food with them was a boy with a meager lunch big enough for one person. Jesus used this one lunch to feed five thousand people! They didn’t just get a little to snack on. “They all ate as much as they wanted.” (Mark 6:42 NLT) This story should not be used as an excuse to only do as little as possible for God. It should be used as encouragement. Sometimes even when we are doing a lot and working really hard it can still seem like we are not making any kind of difference. But when we give God everything, even if it’s only a few meager pieces of food, He can use it to bless thousands!
Principle: Small things offered to Jesus will be used by Him to bless many.
Application:
1. Whom do I see around me today that needs to receive nourishment form Jesus?
2. What will I offer to Jesus today that He may use to feed and bless others?
3. How can I emulate the Lord’s compassion in response to changes or interruptions?
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This story always reminds me of my experiences with tithing. The meager lunch available (a few fish and loaves) represents my salary and the 5,000 hungry people represents my bills and other financial obligations. But I give thanks to God like Jesus did and I distribute it in faith and guess what? My obligations are satisfied and I have "12 basketfuls of leftovers" which represents the blessings I receive as well as actual money left over.
ReplyDeleteThe last part of vs. 31 where Jesus says ” come with me to a quiet place and get some rest.” makes me want to take in a deep breath of God and exhale the stress. Question #1… I don’t have a specific person in mind today, I just know that everyone needs the nourishment from Jesus and I can’t help anyone else if I’m not filled up myself. So I need to inhale deeply the peace of God, let go of any stress, then head out for today’s journey!
ReplyDeleteI am reminded of things that God has given me. They are not mine. He has given them to me with a purpose in mind. As long as I look to God for guidance and am willing to share with others He will bless me beyond my needs. I did not think of Money like Bob, but both fit.
ReplyDelete"When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things." They went away to get some rest, but when they got to their vacation spot, there was a world of need waiting. And Jesus had COMPASSION. He didn't resent having his plans for rest interrupted. I need to be more like Jesus in this way. Compassion should trump fatigue.
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