Read Matthew 14:13-21. We know this story well. It’s a story of God’s abundance – plenty for everyone! But it’s also a story of discipleship. The disciples were learning what it meant to be followers of Jesus. We’re disciples, too. So let’s think about this story.
It’s a story of giving – of giving even when it seems like a bad time.
Jesus was grieving, but he still gave. He had just learnt that John the Baptist had been killed. John was Jesus’ cousin and a supporter in mission. Jesus was seeking time to reflect and pray. But the crowds found him. Jesus didn’t turn them away. He had compassion on them. They came for healing, and he healed them. He was grieving, but he still gave.
And what about the disciples? They tried to tell Jesus what to do. When it got dark, they suggested that Jesus should send the crowds off to get food. But Jesus told the disciples what to do. He said, “You give them something to eat”. What did they have? Not much: only five loaves of bread and two fish. Not enough. But they followed Jesus. They had only little to give, but they still gave.
That’s what we learn from this story. With God, the little we have can be enough. We don’t know God’s bigger plan. We must step forward in faith.
Around us you see a lot of food. This is a kind of miracle. Some people might say that during a pandemic we should stop our food program. But that doesn’t make sense. The need is still there. The need is greater than before. There are extra safety steps to follow, but Foodbank is still open. The warehouse lets us get supplies if we follow the extra rules.
And there’s an extra blessing. Foodbank has made a new rule. Every charity that collects is called an agency. Each agency can have only one person collecting things in the warehouse. One or two people can stay outside and load the van, but only one can be collecting in the cool room. Before COVID-19, International Faith Community had a hard time in the cool room. Some other agencies used to bring many strong people who always took most of the good food. Now it is fairer for each agency. Now we can get more good food to help people here and in the places we supply.
God is with us through every time.Jesus calls us to be disciples even when it seems like a bad time.God can surprise us!Sometimes the bad times can be good times.Sometimes when we expect only a little, there may in fact be a lot.We must step out in faith.God makes an opportunity always.We must give what we can, and leave God to work the miracle.
Комментарии