PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 14:13-21
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:16)
What are we supposed to do with this story, what is the lesson for me in this?
My usual approach is to spiritualize it: feed hungry people with love, kindness, Jesus.
But Jesus says to do something tangible, practical; to address their immediate need.
Think of times when we face big – even impossible – challenges.
You witness a serious car accident, or a tornado rips through your town.
Don’t dismiss the need even though it is beyond you, DO WHAT YOU CAN!
We are not trained in medical emergencies, we cannot fix the aftermath of a tornado.
But we can step up with what we have – our hands, our willingness, our time, our skill.
We jump into action and do what we can – because we have compassion (14:14).
Our contribution in a crisis may seem like 5 loaves and 2 fish for so many hungry people.
But we bring what we can, we do what we can, looking up to heaven, asking God to use us.
This is when the miracles happen, when God does more than we could do ourselves.
The Spirit magnifies our weakness, and helps others despite our inadequacy.
The Lord wants to work through us, but our part is to offer something for him use!
PRAYER
Lord, I am facing an impossible situation, and my contribution definitely seems inadequate. I’m looking up to you, please magnify my weak efforts!
As believers, do we think too small? Like the disciples: “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,”- we have been given what God has entrusted to us. Even the littlest we have can be leveraged for Jesus – so do I think too small. Can even the little I do, make a difference – or can I think that the more I give in service to God’s kingdom the greater difference it can make! Do I believe it and live it. Jesus took that little and fed the crowd. Lord help me to feed those who are available to hear the good news – that those whom you are calling may come and share in your kingdom!
‘You give them something to eat.’
Although my resources may be limited, I still need to take action. I need to take that to heart and ask Him to bless my efforts and give, being an instrument of His peace. As He has blessed me I need to be a blessing to others in His name. I need to as Christ unto others.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.