Can you imagine the excitement of the disciples? They had just gotten back from the road and every promise that Jesus had given came true. They hadn't packed any extra clothes, had no money, had no food, and they never went without. Jesus said they would have the authority and power to heal and to cast out demons. Sure enough, they healed the blind, cast out demons, and proclaimed the Kingdom of God. So, finally they get back together, and they want some time to just decompress with Jesus. They head out to Bethsaida, a barren place, figuring they can have some privacy.
But the crowds find out that Jesus, and the now famous disciples are there. Thousands of people show up, at least five thousand, and Jesus begins to care for each and every one of them. By the time evening sets in, the disciples are telling Jesus to send the crowed away because the masses need to eat. Jesus' response? "You feed them." Their response? "It would take two hundred days' wages to feed a crowd this big." So, Jesus takes five loaves and two fish and feeds them all. There were even twelve baskets of food left over .
When I look at the disciples, I see my own heart reflected. The disciples recognized their need of Jesus, but didn't recognize that others need Him as well. I do that. I pray and pray for me and my family, but often I forget others and their needs. The disciples had just experienced having every need of theirs met for an extended period of time, but as soon as a larger need arose, their faith faltered. I do that. I see Jesus providing for our church in crazy ways (new people, new ministries, new everything), but in a moment, I forget and wonder how in the world we will overcome the next obstacle.
But Jesus, at His whimsical, loving best here, meets everybody's needs and gives each of the disciples a basketfull of food. It is like Jesus is saying, "Hey guys, next time you lose your faith, just look inside this nice gift bag of food, and you'll find some wonderful parting gifts. Our Savior can meet both present and future needs, and the meeting of mine doesn't mean that He is tapped out and can't meet others as well - a lesson for us all.
Gordon Duncan is the pastor/church planter of Sovereign King Church in Garner, NC. Visit them at www.sovereignkingpca.net or visit his blog at www.xanga.com/gordzilla7.
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Comments
The article reminds me of vs 5 & 7 of John's Gospel. I need to always remain in Him and His word in me. How easily, no matter in how big ways God may work in me, I can begin to doubt. God strengthen my faith and belief in YOU.
Posted by DP Daniel | Posted at 02/06/2007 12:34 AM
Sorry, I missed out the chapter in the referece I had mentioned. Its Chapter 15 of the Gospel according to John vs 5 & 7.
Posted by DP Daniel | Posted at 02/06/2007 12:39 AM
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Can you imagine the excitement of the disciples? They had just gotten back from the road and every promise that Jesus had given came true. They hadn't packed any extra clothes, had no money, had no food, and they never went without. Jesus said they would have the authority and power to heal and to cast out demons. Sure enough, they healed the blind, cast out demons, and proclaimed the Kingdom of God. So, finally they get back together, and they want some time to just decompress with Jesus. They head out to Bethsaida, a barren place, figuring they can have some privacy.
