June 29
Mark 8:1-9
Hmmm…. Sound familiar? In Mark 6:30-44 we read a very similar story about Jesus feeding a large crowd with just a few loaves of bread and a few fish. That day our principle was: small things offered to Jesus will be used by Him to bless many. Our principle today is practically the same as that one, but I got something different out of the verses today. Instead of Jesus’ miracle, I was struck by the lack of faith by those around Him. Jesus has a large crowd gathered and decides to feed them. His disciples say, “Where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” (vs. 4 NIV) Don’t they remember? Did they completely forget the way Jesus had just fed an even larger group of people with even less food? At first I thought this was so completely ridiculous, but then I realized that I do that all the time. Jesus provides for me again and again, and yet I always worry and stress about things. Since I started tithing, there has never been a time when I couldn’t pay a bill or buy food. Yet, every month I stress about having enough money. Why is it so easy to forget the amazing things Jesus can do each time I am faced with something challenging? I don’t know the answer to that, but I do know I am going to work on it. Let’s not be like the disciples in these verses. Next time there is a crowd of starving people, instead of saying, “Where can we get bread?” We need to REMEMBER what Jesus is capable of, and say, “Jesus, we need some bread.”
Principle: Jesus can use a little to accomplish a lot.
Application:
1. What needs do I see around me that are impossible to accomplish?
2. What resources do I have to meet the needs of those around me?
3. How will I show compassion for someone’s practical needs today?
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What I noticed was that before distributing the bread and then the fish, Jesus gave thanks. He did not whine, complain, or beg God to make something happen. He instead gave thanks for what they already had, meager as it seemed, and for what God would do with that. Good lesson for me since I often have a hard time being thankful and I also limit God by not thanking Him with high expectations for what He can do.
ReplyDeleteIn the last story, the disciples were the first to speak of the need for bread. In this story, Jesus was the first to speak of that need, but in both stories Jesus was filled with compassion, and then he did something for the people. In the first, his compassion led to teaching. In the second, his compassion led to a giant meal. Both stories contain teaching and giant meals and both of these in both stories must demonstrate Jesus' compassion, but the differences in the connection of the word "compassion" with what Jesus did and the differences in who noticed the people needing food stood out to me. They remind me that (a)Jesus knows my needs before I ask. I bet he knew the people needed bread before the disciples noticed, but he waited for them to say something to meet the need in the first story. (b) Jesus is for me. When the disciples failed to notice the need the second time or just because he was ready to show some compassion, Jesus provided food for the masses. He was for them, meeting their needs because he loved them.
ReplyDeleteI should be confident in Him. I should trust Him and not worry that if I fail to do everything today that is on my list, I will somehow be disqualified from my positions in life. I don't want to live with this same old anxiety that is crushing me because I can't do it all; I already know that and how many times has he come to the rescue? Too many to count! He will not fail me because failure is not a part of his nature. Yes, I am my Beloved's and He is mine!
I noticed 2 things in this passage. First like Bob, Jesus always thanks the Father for what he has provided. Second, Jesus (and the Father) always provide and take care of the people.
ReplyDeleteI too must trust and not doubt or stress about weather my needs will be meet. I want to be better with thanking Him for what He has given me.
God’s word for me today is to keep my eyes on Him and He will provide more than I could ever think or ask for. And I must not forget to be thankful, even before I see His provisions for me.
ReplyDeleteI was trying to post this at the same time that you were posting yours Michelle and it looks like we are all on the same page today. What a good message from God :)