The story found in Mark 6:30-44 is well-known. Jesus leads his disciples to a remote place, but they are met by an eager crowd desiring to hear from Jesus. In his compassion, Jesus uses a small meal of bread and fish and multiplies it to feed 5000 men and their families.
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In verse 33, we read about people who saw Jesus and the disciples leaving and ran after them on foot, beating Jesus to the solitary place. Apparently, they left so quickly that they didn’t even think about food. They desired Jesus’ presence and teaching so much that they ran with their families through the countryside to get to him. What are we willing to forego to spend time with Jesus? What comes between us and our relationship with Him on a daily basis?
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“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:30-31
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The disciples were incredulous when Jesus told them to give the crowd something to eat. They could not see the provision that God would bring. There was no way for them to expect Jesus to physically multiply food in order to provide for the people. They just had no reasonable expectation of this miracle occurring. God is a great provider and
loves his children. How has God provided for us in ways we would not have expected? How can I trust God when I don’t see where His hand is leading?-
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:33-34
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Immediately after this, Jesus has his disciples get back in the boat, where they are faced with a storm. Jesus walks to them on the water, and amazes them by both his ability to walk on the water and by calming the storm. Even as exhaustion sinks in for the disciples, they have seen a multitude miraculously fed, Jesus walking on water, and a storm being calmed by God. They had not been preparing for this and surely must have been wiped out, yet God they saw the hand of God move, even in their weakness. We easily overlook God when we get overwhelmed and yet God still moves. Look at these stories. Jesus worked miracles; the disciples just got to be a part of them. Jesus did not ask anything of them but to obey. They had to ask a boy for his food, carry a basket, and get in a boat. Jesus did the rest. How can we be obedient to God, even in the exhaustion of a busy life? How is God currently working in my midst?
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“One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: “Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love” – Psalm 62:11
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Life Application:
The crowds longed to be with Jesus. The disciples lives were changed by the power and proximity with Jesus. We have the great honor of spending time with our savior through scripture and prayer. When is the last time you spent focused on spending time with
Jesus? This week, carve out at least a small time each day to spend alone with the Lord. Even 5 minutes a day makes a difference.
For Prayer:
Pray for Anthony and Katie Smith as they welcome a new baby in to the world. Pray that God would use them in Japan to spread the message of the gospel.