I would rate this passage as one of the most commonly recognized stories in the Bible. This is a great example of how God truly thinks outside the box. His provision has no boundaries. That bit of truth should give us all more than enough hope for the situation we may be facing today.
Imagine you were a disciple in today’s story. What has this particular day looked like for you? You have gotten up, probably a bit exhausted from all the previous days of travel, crowd control and living in amazement at what you are watching Jesus do. But today, you were thinking it was going to be quiet, even Jesus was tired and wanted to rest.
But, no! There were more people. Where do they all come from? How do they all know where you are? It’s not like you have a location app on your cellphone or anything! You watch Jesus graciously go to Plan B, and you follow suit!
Then when your stomach starts to growl, you figure it’s time the people should be disbursing. When Jesus says to feed them, you think he has totally lost his mind, sleep depravity or something. But he is dead serious. So you obey, gather the few items of food you can find, and trying to hold back a snicker, you deliver them to Jesus.
What happens next will rock your world. You shouldn’t have been surprised. Jesus has a way of working all things for good, for making beauty out of ashes, for doing the extraordinary.
So, as we sit here today in 2017 (or whatever year it may be as you read this devotional), what nuggets from this story resonate with you? I like the disciples obedience and trust. Even though it looked hopeless that ALL the people would be fed, the disciples trusted Jesus’ command.
I also liked how the disciples were able to be flexible. Their day didn’t go as they had planned or wished. Yet, they let God use it, and use it he did. Have you ever had a day when your plans got botched? How did you respond?
Let’s pray. Father, your multiplication in this story has always amazed me. I come to you today and pray for that same multiplication in my life. I may feel weak and weary, but you are mighty and strong. Fill me with your power as I give you control. I ask you to show me what mighty deeds you have planned for me. Don’t let me get to the end of my life and look at where you REALLY wanted me to be. I want to be there and be your shining light along the way so that everyone will say, God is sure working in her. Lord, I ask humbly for you to lift me up and to show me my path. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
