Word@Work 091 - Mark 8:6-10
Published: Fri, 03/28/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 8:6-10 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. The people ate and were satisfied. Afterwards the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. About four thousand men were present. He got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha. (NIV)
This simple narrative almost duplicates the amazing feeding of 5,000 (see Mark 6:35-44), only this time there were 4,000. The numbers changed but Jesus did not. His heart was still of compassion, His priority was to feed the soul, but His love wanted to meet their human hunger too. Once again, when Jesus fed people they were satisfied (soul and body), and once again there were plenty of leftovers for the disciples.
Mark could have saved column inches by ignoring this story: but he includes it to point to the stunning blindness of the disciples and the hardness of their hearts (Mark 8:17-21). However in today's passage, the disciples do not feature - just Jesus and His amazing power. What will the disciples do next?!
It is a good point at which to pause. If you are reading this at the beginning of the working day, please pause. What do you think that they should have done and said? Yes, they should have been full of praise for all that Jesus had done. So, is that true for you too ... as you face the next set of challenges and opportunities (in all of them the Lord Jesus can display His grace and glory), are you expecting Him to do so?
Prayer: Father God. As I launch out into another series of challenge, help me to know that it is You who have placed me where I am, so that You may reveal Yourself for who you are. May Your Word stimulate me to expect that you will do 'immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine' (Ephesians 3:20), for Your glory's sake, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
This simple narrative almost duplicates the amazing feeding of 5,000 (see Mark 6:35-44), only this time there were 4,000. The numbers changed but Jesus did not. His heart was still of compassion, His priority was to feed the soul, but His love wanted to meet their human hunger too. Once again, when Jesus fed people they were satisfied (soul and body), and once again there were plenty of leftovers for the disciples.
Mark could have saved column inches by ignoring this story: but he includes it to point to the stunning blindness of the disciples and the hardness of their hearts (Mark 8:17-21). However in today's passage, the disciples do not feature - just Jesus and His amazing power. What will the disciples do next?!
It is a good point at which to pause. If you are reading this at the beginning of the working day, please pause. What do you think that they should have done and said? Yes, they should have been full of praise for all that Jesus had done. So, is that true for you too ... as you face the next set of challenges and opportunities (in all of them the Lord Jesus can display His grace and glory), are you expecting Him to do so?
Prayer: Father God. As I launch out into another series of challenge, help me to know that it is You who have placed me where I am, so that You may reveal Yourself for who you are. May Your Word stimulate me to expect that you will do 'immeasurably more than I can ask or imagine' (Ephesians 3:20), for Your glory's sake, 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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