When I read the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, the first thing I always think of is a Sunday School teacher reading the passage, then exclaiming, “But wait! There’s more!” like a television infomercial. “Did you catch that? The men numbered five thousand. There must have been triple or quadruple that when you add the women and children!”
To my Sunday School teacher, this information served to amplify the already stunning miracle, adding to our awe of Jesus. Feeding five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish is impressive enough, but what if it were really fifteen or twenty thousand?
But for me, one of the best gifts of reading Scripture, especially familiar stories, isn’t these amplifications. It’s how new things rise to the top when we read and reread. In today’s reading, the parallel stories of Numbers 11 and John 6 stopped me in my tracks. I’ve read both of them dozens of times, heard them taught from my earliest Sunday School days, and yet, the way they mirror each other captivated me today. Scripture is such a sprawling web of connections and references and adjunct stories; beginning to untangle it never gets old.
In Numbers 11, the Israelites have fled from slavery in Egypt. But when they are alone in the desert, they have nothing. Nothing to eat, nothing to drink, no schedule or plan or anything. So they, naturally, begin to complain and ask Moses if there’s a plan. Moses presses the Lord for a response:
“But Moses replied, ‘I’m in the middle of a people with six hundred thousand foot soldiers, yet you say, “I will give them meat, and they will eat for a month.” If flocks and herds were slaughtered for them, would they have enough? Or if all the fish in the sea were caught for them, would they have enough?’” (Numbers 11:21–22).
Jesus and the disciples share a similar back-and-forth. Philip says, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread wouldn’t be enough for each of them to have a little” (John 6:7). Then Jesus takes the five loaves and the two fish and feeds everyone, with abundant leftovers.
We often bring our own needs before God with the same doubt and scoffing as the Israelites and Philip. We ask for much with little faith. In these two stories, we see the Lord provide because our God is a God of abundance, not scarcity, He cares for us lavishly. He doesn’t offer the bare minimum, only what we need to survive. He provides “everything required for life and godliness” through the gift of Jesus (2Peter 1:3).
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98 thoughts on "Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand"
He doesn’t give just the bare minimum ♥️♥️♥️
I have to learn to ask with confidence and not with doubt in my heart.
He’s teaching me in my new business to be free to care about serving my neighborhood and take care of my health. And leave the bottom line up to Him.
Thank you Lord that your ways are so much higher than our ways..I try to do the math in my head trying to find a way to not come up short, so often scarcity-minded, but He has always provided.
He is a almighty God!!
God brings abundance not scarcity.
Lord – you alone are enough!
Love this ❤️
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Again I am reminded that God will take care of me.
Amazing!
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I’ve never read these passages back to back before. What a great reminder of God’s consistent character and power from OT to NT.
He is a God of abundance not scarcity! A God of more than enough!
Amen @ColleenFiant! I love that so much…we serve a God of abundance! There is nothing he cannot provide.
Lord may we not be women are who are so overly familiar with Biblical accounts that we aren’t in awe of Your mighty works!
God blesses all the time doesn’t He? Thank you Lord.
Amen!
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We serve a God of abundance.
We serve a of God of abundance not scarcity.
od
Amen ❤️❤️
I always appreciate parallels in scripture, especially considering that within this story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, he mentions Moses to those who were firmly relying on Moses at that time.
Snap to the verses from Numbers and we see that very same Moses struggling with exactly what Jesus would do thousands of years later with apparent ease—feed thousands (and did you catch that there were just enough baskets left over for each disciple to get one?? We see you, Jesus.)
23 The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm weak? Now you will see whether or not what I have promised will happen to you.” – Numbers 11:23
In Moses’s doubt, The Lord reminds him that He is a promise-keeper. How unbelievably fitting that Jesus reminds the disciples (and the whole world) that He is indeed the perfect picture of his Father, and that he, too, to the point of death, keeps His promises. Feeding so many people was just another VISUAL reminder that Jesus came to keep the promise of his Father to save and provide for all people.
I always appreciate parallels in scripture, especially considering that within this story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, he mentions Moses to those who were firmly relying on Moses at that time.
Snap to the verses from Numbers and we see that very same Moses struggling with exactly what Jesus would do thousands of years later with apparent ease—feed thousands (and did you catch that there were just enough baskets left over for each disciple to get one?? We see you, Jesus.)
23 The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm weak? Now you will see whether or not what I have promised will happen to you.” – Numbers 11:23
In Moses’s doubt, The Lord reminds him that He is a promise-keeper. How unbelievably fitting that Jesus reminds the disciples (and the whole world) that He is indeed the perfect picture of his Father, and that he, too, to the point of death, keeps His promises.
I always appreciate parallels in scripture, especially considering that within this story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, he mentions Moses to those who were firmly relying on Moses.
Snap to the verses from Numbers and we see that very same Moses struggling with exactly what Jesus would do thousands of years later with apparent ease—feed thousands (and did you catch that there were just enough baskets left over for each disciple to get one?? We see you, Jesus.)
23 The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm weak? Now you will see whether or not what I have promised will happen to you.” – Numbers 11:23
I always appreciate parallels in scripture, especially considering that within this story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, he mentions Moses to those who were firmly resting in who Moses was at the time.
Snap to the verses from Numbers and we see that very same man struggling with exactly what Jesus would do thousands of years later with apparent ease—feed thousands (and did you catch that there were just enough baskets left over for each disciple to get one?? We see you, Jesus.)
I always appreciate parallels in scripture, especially considering that within this story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, he mentions Moses to those who were firmly resting in who Moses was at the time.
I love the parallel between the two stories. God truly is so faithful!
Love love love this reading today
Ruth, this was exactly what I needed to read tonight! It popped out to me as I was reading John 5:39-40 also — but now it really hit me in the heart. Thank you! I too have looked at my Bible to avoid Jesus’s eyes. I will be praying over your words and ask that God fills us (and everyone reading this) with that expectant joy of friendship with Jesus and for the hunger for quality time with Him, no matter what that may look like.
I completely agree with you! This is exactly what stopped me in my tracks with todays reading.
So true for me too. Thanks for sharing this. I want to check the box. He wants to love me and fill me and I just seems hard to believe sometimes
I was super convicted by John 5:39-40
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” I feel like I look at my Bible to avoid Jesus’s eyes. I think completing my studies will draw me closer to him when he just wants to talk. Oh Jesus, could it be that simple? I want to walk by faith, to trust you can make a way, and you’re good? I have no other better choice than to follow you, entrust my needs to your hands. God ignite in me a hunger for the person of Jesus, not just the word alone, which bears witness to Jesus himself.
I was super convicted by39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. – John 5:39-40
Yes, Gwineth! This verse challenged me too; I appreciate your comment putting that feeling into words. I’ve had many mornings where I do my “quiet time” but forgo praying to God. I want to be a person who is in constant prayer with the Lord and truly feel His presence with me at all times. This week I will be challenged to just sit with the Lord rather than worrying whether my study for the day is “complete.”
today’s reading reminded me of an instagram post by @anthonygurrola that I think would be uplifting for you all to check out! the message on the post reads, “not enough is more than enough in the hands of Jesus.” so, so true. praying all is well, SHES! I got my booster shot yesterday and thankfully my only symptoms are a slight headache and exhaustion. nothing a little medicine and rest can’t fix :)
I have a friend who is living by faith as they have been working to start a business for a few years now. She said every time they wonder, God provides a source of income, a check, a meal, a place to stay, a reminder. To know that God will exceed our request- to lavish us with his blessings is such a promise. I am not talking of riches and material blessings nor am I seeking them because God’s blessing are so much better than anything of this earth.
Going through John has been so good for me. I’ve been out of the practice of reading the Bible and we moved over the summer and still haven’t found a church. I’m so thankful to read and reread about people who struggled even when they were in Jesus’ presence. My ability to stay focused is slim to none, but God is gracious (amen) and has met with me everyday whether through the reading, the devo or through your comments. I just wanted to say thanks for that.
I, too, fixated this morning on John 5:39-40. “You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me. But you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life.” I often fall prey to calling out words & not calling unto Jesus. It’s too much of a head game & not heart gain. My meditating on the Word is superior to my studying the Word by itself. My reading shouldn’t be rushed, or void of reflection & response. Or simply riding on the surface. More “beauty, goodness & truth” is to be mined. Christ Jesus, help me push words, for words sake, aside. Help me be a better hearer & bearer of Your Word. Teach me to sit still with every sign pointing to You & adherence to You. To enter into the “ beautiful mosaic unfolding” (Jennifer Loves Jesus said) & “searching the OT & NT daily, with open mind & open heart” (Sharon Jersey Girl said). As many Shes said, reading & re-reading Scripture is meant to do more than build memory muscle. And as Melanie wrote in her devotional…to remain awestruck by “scripture as a sprawling web of connections, references, adjunct stories…such that beginning to untangle it never grows old”.
The one thing I like about SRT is how I learn new things about the Bible all the time. The references in Numbers and 2Kings.
This is one of my favorite stories. Can you imagine being that boy and going home and telling your mom what happen to your lunch? Mom would probably say something like, “Joshua, I’ve told you what would happen if you told lies.” Then mom goes out and hears the same story at the market and other places. WOW!!!
Sisters be blessed and share your faith story.
“Our God is a God of abundance not scarcity” Jesus didn’t rip those five loaves into thousands of tiny pieces like “here’s a bite for you, and one for you”. No, He provided enough for everyone to be FULL and had baskets left over!! He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine!! (Ephesians 3:20) ❤️
Reading these verses remind me of this simple fact: Jesus knows what He is doing! Too often we criticize God for not doing things in the “perfect” way that we want them to be done (or pray for things to be done in our own way). In this way, we are being selfish.. no matter how “good” our intentions. We might not understand the way that God solves things in the moment.. but in the future, when we look back we will understand. That’s why I think we should let God be the driver of our lives at all times, never us.
Provides when we are not seeing how possible can this be. Thank you Lord.
Glory to the provision of God, not just in ministry (for the 5000+ men and others coming to hear the teachings) but daily needs (of His people through Moses). God not only gives us spiritual food for growth but actual physical food when we are hungry or in need. And I have witnessed finance supernaturally coming through to afford physical lack of those God is reaching, including us. If it’s a project God ordains for you and me to carry out, He will take care of all the bills, just like back then and just like now. It is more blessed to give, and where your heart is, there your treasure is also. May we be faithful stewards for Him, having hope in the full provision of things hoped for, evidence of things not yet seen, knowing the Lord’s arm is never too weak.
“He doesn’t offer the bare minimum, only what we need to survive“. This is so true in my own personal life. In my journey as a single parent now for over four years, I have seen God provide in the most amazing ways. I remind myself, I am a child of the most high King. He has never left me or abandon me. I live a pretty simple life but I have what I need. Food. Shelter. And the loves of my life my two beautiful children Caleb and Alyssa. MOST importantly and I can never do life without HIM, I have JESUS, my-true-love!
God bless you, SISSY…I’m glad the words were a blessing to you and pray God will continue to work in our lives!!
*Quick request*: Hubby has a bad cold; a father figure of mine is being buried this week and I think hubby will be asked to be a pallbearer…need to do the Covid test this afternoon to see if he can even attend :( … please pray.
something that I noticed on this reading today is the significance that Jesus asked the disciples to evaluate the situation before He stepped in and provided the solution. He asked Philip, who was from that area, “where will we buy bread so that these people can eat?” Andrew came forward with the boy’s meager resources. God has all the resources in the world under His control. As Creator, He can make something from nothing. But sometimes He wants to make something from the resources that we already have. He wants us to willingly bring what He has already given us so He can make it into so much more.
My friend’s husband has not had his surgery yet. They were able to get him in the hospital that will be doing the surgery last Thursday. It has been very frustrating for my friend since she won’t be able to see him until after the surgery. They have been running more tests and hope to do the surgery today. Please pray for the doctors that will be doing the surgery as well as peace for my friend. Thanks for your prayers.
Yesterday someone posted “Wait on the Lord with trust, not in the sense that He will work, but trusting that He is already working, and perhaps He has been working, even before we have asked Him. I’ve been struggling the last year with just life in general. In marriage issues and issues at my work. I copied this just so I can go back to it and remember that just because things don’t look like anything is changing He is working for me. I want the words she prayed to be true for me too:
Lord Jesus, give me a heart and a manner that exudes and practices trust in You…it hasn’t been easy this year but, You have always been faithful. I love You.
What fascinating reading today. I love Numbers for the lessons of God’s faithfulness and the cautionary tales from the children of Israel. I had forgotten about this excerpt and never connected it to the feeding of the multitude in John. God’s arm is never shortened! I’ve been doing Priscilla Shrier’s study on the armor of God and yesterday something struck me- that when the disciples ask Jesus for more faith he replies that a mustard seed is enough. We don’t need more faith, we need more knowledge of the One in whom we put our faith. When we know how good and powerful God is we can believe what He says. Powerful stuff! Brooke P- I am praying constantly for you your husband and this little life. Thank you, searching, Kelly (Neo) and everyone who continues to pray for us! We are blessed to have this community.
Loving the comments this morning! One of the things that struck me was there could be no provision without the presence of God. How often have I gone seeking His provision apart from His presence? Eek. So many things in these verses, the devo and your comments to bring (good) conviction today!
What stood out to me was Numbers 11:23 The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm weak? Now you will see whether or not what I have promised will happen to you.” I was a single mom of a son with a very rare illness. I thanked God for giving me the hands to do my work. He always provided. Our medical bills were many, but always paid.
I love what was said about bringing our needs to God with the same doubt and scoffing as Philip. This was such a wake up call because the Lord an ABUNDANT provider. He always sustains us in more ways than we could ever imagine or hope for! Praise the Lord for that!
I decided to read the whole chapter as someone suggested. I love that God sent help- He knew Moses was carrying a great burden and did not leave him with it. After sending help, he informs Moses that He will send meat for all the people; despite their grumbling.
I so relate to Moses in Number’s 11. It’s God’s response that stops me in my tracks-
And the Lord said to Moses, “Is the Lord’s hand shortened? Now you shall see whether amy word will come true for you or not.” Numbers 11:23
How many times have I not asked God or doubted God because I did not believe He could or would do what I asked? Lord, help to me ask big prayers in faith- knowing that He who has promised is faithful.
Rosalind- praying that you are provided a safe, healthy. home.
@Rebecca I think you will find that sometimes God asks us to give a little and sometimes a lot. We give so much monthly to God and some months he asks us to help someone over and above that amount. We have found that he is “no man’s debtor” and what we give to others, eventually makes it’s way back to us, allowing us to give again. It is a great adventure to have the privilege of being used by God in this way. Don’t overthink it. Give what you can and remain attentive to any nudges the Lord sends your way. It may be as simple as slipping $20 in a student’s pocket for gas money.
I have been struggling so much with my faith recently- wondering if I am believing “enough” and doubting that I can truly trust God. But today’s reading and devotional helps me see that Jesus lifts up the weak and can make what is scarce grand. Dear God, please turn my mustard seed of faith into a flourishing garden of belief and trust in You, who can do all things! Thank You for your love and care for us. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.
I keep having problems on my tablet sorry. I wanted to quote God’s response to Moses. It certainly cut to the heart for me. “ the Lord answered Moses, “ Is the Lord’s arm weak?”
How many times have I prayed a prayer then questioned if it could be answered. I love how the Bible challenges me to consider my heart continually.
I had to repent after reading Numbers 11: 21-23. “ the
Loved today’s devotional focus. The Lord cares for us and provides, with Jesus we always have what we need. Amen!
These passages are just so powerful! I was prompted yesterday to make a list of ‘the signs’ as I read through John. I have not done that before.
The contrast I noticed in the reading is that in Numbers the people were complaining and dissatisfied when asking Moses to take action. In John, the people gathered and it was Jesus who initiated that feeding. I will have to do more background study to know what the custom concerning food was for that time.
HEIDI, , too, had another thing happen unexpectedly last night and I got about 2 hours sleep. Thanks for rising above to share your wisdom on this read.
ANGIE, wow, love your post!
Prayers for all!
Throughout the Bible God shows us how that He provides. We just need to be open to how He provides.
I’ve never caught that it could be more than 5,000! That’s soo incredible!
Something I really thought through with these passages and commentary is taking notice of the difference between being a “scoffer with little faith” and just HAVING “little faith”- but trusting God with it. HE will remain faithful to both people in those camps. But WE get to experience something so different, depending upon the camp we hang out in.
In some areas of my life I can honestly and with humility say, I actually have big faith. I just KNOW He will be present and interactive with my needs/situation. And in other areas, that tiny mustard seed is all I can come up with right now. But He’s already told me what that mustard seed -when trusted to him- can do (Matt 17:20). And the action of my faith is believing He can and He will. And my openness/moldability is allowing His perspective of what that will look like to overcome my own. With a willing heart, that little faith can be so unbelievably powerful and life changing- in us and in those around us as well.
I really needed this! Thank you so much SRT!!!!!
The parallels within the OT and NT are so incredible. The Lord works and provides abundantly. In striving to have a greater faith and trust in the Lord for everything I am comforted by this verse: “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.”
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 ESV || Searching, Kelly, K Swenson, Victoria E. And others who are praying for us, thank you so much. Prayer is so powerful and the Lord listens to his faithful! Thank you so much for your prayers, it is so beautiful to be seen and prayed for. Thank you. || maiya k. I am praying for you and your baby! Heidi I’m praying for you & many others that have asked for prayer, im praying for you!!
There are many parallels in the Bible that I HAVE noticed, but I never caught the parallel between Numbers 11 & John 6 before. Wow!
Amen @SHARON, JERSEY GIRL! I was convicted by that too.
Oh, I love today’s reading. There are so many beautiful parallels in these stories.
I read the whole chapter of numbers 11 for context and the parallel goes beyond the feeding of the 600K. Moses is weary from leading the people and asks God for relief. In numbers 11:17 God promises to take some of the Spirit and give it to 70 elders who will take some leadership responsibility.
“17 And I will come down and talk with you there. And I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put it on them,”
I just found it to be an interesting parallel.
He has provided, He does provide, and He will provide.
Thank you, Jesus!
It’s not enough just to read the scriptures or even search them. We have to read, believe and do. We need the faith that goes along with all that we learn. In Matthew 5:39,42 – the Jews searched the scriptures, but God knew their heart and that His love was not in them. We too must search the scriptures daily,(Acts 17:11) New and Old – with an open mind and heart. We need to readily receive it as God’s word, His truth, believe it and obey it. “God cares for us lavishly, and provides everything required for life and godliness, through the gift of Jesus Christ.” His word is truth. This is what my mind needs to rest on today.
Jersey girl, really needed these words of confirmation. I faithfully read but slack on the believing, and doing. Your post is so enlightening.
I often pray with little faith because o feel like I may not get the answer I’m expecting. Pray with me in faith for us to find a healthy home in a short amount time.
Reading these passages reminds me of a national story that just happened. We watched the news a few days ago and learned about the cars that were backed up in Virginia from the snowstorm for 24+ hours on the road. WE watched the coolest story about what happened that day on the news. One couple was hanging out in their car-they hadn’t eaten in a while and were in the middle of this traffic jam. The wife noticed there was a bread truck a few cars ahead and called the company explaining what was going on and would they consider sharing their bread in the truck with everyone around that was hungry. They agreed, opened the truck and shared all the loaves of bread that were in the truck to the motorists who were hungry. After watching that story, my daughter said, ‘Mom, it’s just like the story of Jesus feeding the thousands!’ God is still at work today-never has stopped-little glimpses of positive stories like this warms your heart. And it was a neat connection to the reading today.
Love this!
VERY cool! I love this mirroring of the OT passages with the John passage today. I don’t think I’ve ever absorbed the 2 Kings passage before — I certainly haven’t connected it to the feeding of the 5,000. Man. The Word of God IS living and breathing.
Messiah mosaic. A journey through scripture with open ears and heart, ready to receive the new pieces of the puzzle. Each step of faith in The Word gives me new swatches of material to stamp the wisdom God gives in my heart. Like a mosaic, as I remember to step back to see the big picture, each little piece becomes part of the whole beautiful creation. Huge miracles and tiny daily living woven together in Jesus, walking out the Word, connecting our story with the much larger story unfolding. May we be faithful image bearers reflecting this mosaic unfolding as we follow In fellowship with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. Lifting each of you in prayer, be encouraged by our walk together, and know that in this fellowship we are stronger together. Amen.
In the last part of John chapter five, Jesus is telling the religious leaders that they don’t believe He is the son of God. That they claim to believe Moses yet are blind to the fact that Jesus is the one that was prophesized about. It made me wonder how many times my stubbornness has blinded me to the truth about something. When has God tried to show me something right in front of my face, yet since it didn’t fit the narrative for my life or what I thought I knew, I refused to see it?
My sleep is getting better at night. I am currently working on changing my career and am trying to seek God’s guidance and will in this new endeavor. Any prayer would be most appreciated.
I have donenot seen what God was trying to get me to see so many times. I’ve said multiple times that God really has to hit me over the
I have not seen what God was trying to get me to see so many times. I’ve said multiple times that God has to hit me over the head to get me to see some things.
Lord I thank you
God provides! Thank you Jesus.
Oh why do I continue to go to the Lord asking for much with little faith? He is faithful and trustworthy. I want to come to the Father with much faith, asking for big answers, but not lose faith if He chooses to not answer. My faith doesn’t mean God will perform according to my wishes.
Many times I’ve seen God provide exactly what we needed to pay all of our bills even when it didn’t make sense
Yes!!! So good.
Last week I prayed for the Lord to give me the strength to wake up on time to read my devotions and I’m happy that He’s nudged me awake to open my Bible with you all the last two days :) My heart needs these words. God is a God of abundance. He cares for my lavishly. Pray big prayers. Have faith.
The Pharisees were also guilty of looking at the sign (the Scriptures) but not to where the sign was pointing to (Jesus). This stood out to me because getting up and reading my Bible each morning is good, but it’s the deeper relationship with my Savior that I experience through being in the Word that is the true gift! Have a blessed day everyone <3
❤️
How often do I pray to God in desperation and actually believe he can help me? Probably not enough. I come to him because it’s my last ditch effort or because I feel I should. But what would it look like to pray with faith – truly believing that what I am asking will happen according to his will?
“He asked this to test him, for he himself knew what he was going to do.” God has intentional plans for our lives; he does not simply react to the choices we make.
John 5:35. Father God, may I be a “burning and shining lamp.” Help me to remain passionate with love for You. May Your good news coming from my lips shine brightly. All for Your glory.
Haven’t read the study yet this AM, am about to, but first wanted to thank those of you who commented and/or prayed for me yesterday. My circumstances are completely unchanged- if anything I was hit with yet something else to add to the messiness I feel myself getting lost in- but prayer is to involve God in our lives, not inform Him of what’s happening in our lives. I know praying is sometimes to bring about a different result in our circumstances and other times it’s to pull in closer to experience Him and His goodness in the midst of the hard circumstance that won’t change.
Anyway- I was touched and feel so grateful. I really really miss getting to be in a real, face to face Bible study. I’ve lead and attended SO many over the years. But y’all made this one a little “closer” so thank you.
Years ago our pastor talked about, “the bounce.” He was referring to media or life situations that put sin in front of our eyes. We do not want to see it, but it is there in front of us. Our response is not to continue looking, but to “bounce” our eyes away immediately from what we know is not good and pray.
He Reads Truth today talks about the feeding of the 5,000+ as a sign: “Think about what a sign does. It points to something. It is not the thing. If I take my family on vacation and on the way, we see a sign telling us we are near our destination, we do not stop there and spend our time with the sign. The sign is not the point. The sign simply directs us to the point.” Jesus miracles were meant to draw our eyes to Jesus, not to dwell on the sign.
Tying the two thoughts together…in this life, both good and bad will penetrate my eyes. That is not always something I am able to determine. However, I am able to determine what I do after the initial sighting.
When what I see is evil, do my eyes “bounce” away? Does my heart break for the people or circumstances? Do I turn away in judgement, or kneel in prayer?
What about when it is something good? Do I take it all in and gorge myself in good? Do I spread the good around, sharing it with others? Surely I should, and want to, acknowledge the good thing, but the problem arises when the “thing” is what I treasure instead of digging deeper and treasuring the one who made the good possible in the first place.
Sometimes-too often, I have stopped at the signs instead of noticing and then “bouncing off,” to dwell in the place of the good-in The One who is good. Too much like the 5,000+ who wanted Jesus to be their King for what He could do for them (fill their bellies), when they were missing out on the real treasure, eternal life through Jesus Christ the Lord.
Before the amazing miracle of feeding the 5+ thousands of people in Chapter 6, I was caught up in the last verses of Chapter 5 where Jesus is still speaking to the Jews determined to persecute Him… v 38 where He points out that they don’t have His word abiding in them because they don’t believe and in v 42 that they don’t have the love of God in them.
A reminder to me to stay in His word, that as a child of God I have Jesus in my heart and to show the love of God in me to others, each and every day.
Praying for:
HEIDI – hope, encouragement and a lightened load, sending hugs your way.
VICTORIA E – continued good health for you and little one, praising good report
RHONDA J – Brayden, fervently, that he is met with love and encouragement, and for safety & healing.
LOTTIE – healing of back and other pain, and that you have a good physical therapist that can guide you in gaining strength, and for your husband’s health also
K O – forgiveness and resolution of anger with coworker, and clarity in relationship with boyfriend
DOROTHY – Angie’s healing and rehab
BROOKE P – dr appt Wednesday
GRAMSIESUE – husband’s stress/anxiety
LAURA CAROLINE – dad’s healing
FOSTER MAMA – you, and young man that reached out to you
K SWENSON – am not familiar with BEMA and will check it out, thanks
SKYLAR HILTON – your comment that God’s breath is on the bad days too, I’ll be thinking on that
REBEKAH SMITH and others – in yesterday’s readings, I agree that Jesus was referring to consequences of sin and separation from God being worse being paralyzed. Since we all sin except Him, that means to me that He is referring to intentional, unrepentant sin.
“Our God is a God of abundance, not scarcity.” Remembering that today.
“We ask for much with little faith….our God is a God of abundance, not scarcity, He cares for us lavishly.”
Amen and amen.
BROOKE P – praying for your appt today. May the Lord bless you with the sound of a heartbeat.
VICTORIA E, MAIYA K, Maura (TIGIST), Growing Faith (sister), SARAH GLUCK, Jennifer Ficklen (son’s girlfriend) and LINDSAY – praying that the peace of God floods your hearts and minds as your little one grows.
DOROTHY – praying for Angie’s recovery.
SISSY – did your friend’s husband have his surgery?
Our God is a God of abundance, not scarcity! Please Lord, forgive me for doubting your love and goodness.
Amen Kathleen
The Lord is a God of more than enough! Go to the throne, ask in Faith knowing nothing is impossible for The Lord God Almighty and His Son Our Savior JESUS Christ!
Me too Maiya K! Praying for your unborn little one! With our precious Lord there are no limits to what He can do. We need not question or doubt as we have a big God who’s arms are never shortened- He stretches them out to fling stars into space and still knew us when He knit us together in our mother’s womb. What an amazing God! Moses thought of the logical ways to make it work but God’s response? “Has the Lord’s arm been shortened?”It’s like He is saying don’t doubt me, Moses, just wait and see what I can do! I need to learn that expectancy, hallelujah!
I am so grateful that my God is a God of abundance. I have seen this in my life on many occasions and just recently for my unborn child. God does all things well and is not limited by my circumstances! Praise the Lord!!