A Daily Devotion for Monday, September 14
John 6:1-15
Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near.
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”
Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
The question of the leftovers had never entered my mind until today. What do those baskets represent? I did a bit of reading this morning, and there are several themes in scripture involving the number twelve, notably twelve tribes of Israel and twelve apostles. I am most drawn to the idea that when we serve Christ, we are abundantly blessed. We have more when we finish than when we started, even when we give extravagantly to others. Today I hope to have what it takes to bless others through my work.
Holy Lord, help me today to be a blessing to others, using the gifts you have extravagantly provided for me. Please grant me peace today, as I could use it. Amen
Becky, transforming
John 6:1-15
The theme of God’s extravagant provision can ring hollow in times of stress or crisis. This is where our faith and trust in the Lord is put to the test. The brothers in this morning’s Upper Room reflection took the initiative to actively seek the “leftovers” that God provided to keep their business afloat. I, too, must try to find and utilize the resources available through God’s mercy to get me through the rough patches in my life. We have shared countless times about faith and trust. Pretty words, but there inevitably comes a time to walk the talk.
Prayer - Merciful God, even in my dark hours, I will trust in Your love and care. Please help…