Word@Work 076 - Mark 6:38-44
Published: Wed, 03/05/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 6:38-44 "How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see." When they found out, they said, "Five--and two fish." Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. (NIV)
When we don't know how to do something, the most difficult step is the first one. So Jesus sends His disciples off to find out how much food there is in the crowd. The response hardly represented a banquet! It was a pitifully small amount, but that is how God often works - indeed if was possible with our own resources we would not need Him ... or worse ... we might think that we were as good as Him.
So, in the face of this derisory supply, the disciples demonstrated some faith in Jesus by obediently getting the crowd to sit down in orderly groups - yet they probably had no idea what He was about to do. But that is the nature of faith, you move in obedience to God, and then He moves in Sovereign power. The result was astonishing. Not only did five thousand men (plus women and children) have something to eat (v36) but they were satisfied (v42). And, the hard working disciples had a whole basket of leftovers each for themselves!
When God wants to demonstrate His power, there is nothing He cannot do! So why do we limit Him? There are times when our logical minds and seasoned experience is not what God is looking for. When He wants us to learn lessons of faith, He calls us to step outside what we can control. That way we realise how small we are, and how great He is. Then He acts powerfully to glorify Himself (and stir our praise) so that we can grow in faith. Perhaps He is doing that with you this week ... don't be frightened that you cannot control what you cannot understand - He can!
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you that you understand everything and have all power and authority to do whatever is best. Help me to trust you in my circumstances today and seek to obey You, so that Your glory shines through. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
When we don't know how to do something, the most difficult step is the first one. So Jesus sends His disciples off to find out how much food there is in the crowd. The response hardly represented a banquet! It was a pitifully small amount, but that is how God often works - indeed if was possible with our own resources we would not need Him ... or worse ... we might think that we were as good as Him.
So, in the face of this derisory supply, the disciples demonstrated some faith in Jesus by obediently getting the crowd to sit down in orderly groups - yet they probably had no idea what He was about to do. But that is the nature of faith, you move in obedience to God, and then He moves in Sovereign power. The result was astonishing. Not only did five thousand men (plus women and children) have something to eat (v36) but they were satisfied (v42). And, the hard working disciples had a whole basket of leftovers each for themselves!
When God wants to demonstrate His power, there is nothing He cannot do! So why do we limit Him? There are times when our logical minds and seasoned experience is not what God is looking for. When He wants us to learn lessons of faith, He calls us to step outside what we can control. That way we realise how small we are, and how great He is. Then He acts powerfully to glorify Himself (and stir our praise) so that we can grow in faith. Perhaps He is doing that with you this week ... don't be frightened that you cannot control what you cannot understand - He can!
Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you that you understand everything and have all power and authority to do whatever is best. Help me to trust you in my circumstances today and seek to obey You, so that Your glory shines through. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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