Dear Ones:
In three of the gospels we read the account of the feeding of the five thousand. There are many things we can take away from studying the account, but one thing is essential to grasp and not let go. God’s ability manifests itself in our availability, and this, as we faithfully go forward in obedience.
It seems that throughout Scripture we read consistently of how God chooses to the “things which are NOT, to bring to nothing things that are.” (1 Cor. 1:28) Hence, He uses five loaves of bread and two fishes to feed five thousand men, not counting the number women and children. How much food does it take to feed five thousand men, women and children? This is why Andrew asked the question: “…what are they (the loaves and fishes) among so many?” (Jn. 6:9) In the face of the overwhelming need, and faced with the command of Christ, “…You feed them,” comes the blessed reality that what God commands, He provides for. What is necessary for the ability of God to be revealed in the miracle of feeding so many with so little? It is our availability, and the consequent blessing of God. Here was a lad with very limited resources, but those resources in the hands of Christ, invoking the blessing of God, will result in the feeding of the multitude. How do we apply this to our lives?
We are called to give “living bread” to those around us, and even, to BE “living bread” to them. But who and what are we in the face of the multitudes? How can our “resources” ever respond effectively to such need? The principle that we must follow is that followed by the little boy with the loaves and fishes…availability, believing in God’s ability, and this in response to faithful obedience. How? When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians concerning his ministry among and to them: “And my speech, and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” (1 Cor. 2:4) Please note that Paul’s confidence was not in his ability to speak, but in his dependence upon the Spirit of God. He was “available” as loaves and fishes, but his trust was in the blessing of God, the ability of God, the faithfulness of God to “feed the multitudes,” and He did.
Dear Lord, grant us this day to have a right attitude concerning what we are, and to be always available to Thee as such. And grant us that ability to trust in Thee fully for what THOU dost desire to do, which will certainly exceed our expectation. Feed the multitudes through us as we receive from Thee “living bread” to give to them…and this for Thy glory. Amen.
Love, Dad