Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
July 23, 2023
John 6:1-14
1 After this Jesus went across the Galilee Sea (that is, the Tiberias Sea). 2 A large crowd followed him, because they had seen the miraculous signs he had done among the sick. 3 Jesus went up a mountain and sat there with his disciples. 4 It was nearly time for Passover, the Jewish festival. 5 Jesus looked up and saw the large crowd coming toward him. He asked Philip, “Where will we buy food to feed these people?” 6 Jesus said this to test him, for he already knew what he was going to do. 7 Philip replied, “More than a half year’s salary worth of food wouldn’t be enough for each person to have even a little bit.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said, 9 “A youth here has five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that for a crowd like this?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass there. They sat down, about five thousand of them. 11 Then Jesus took the bread. When he had given thanks, he distributed it to those who were sitting there. He did the same with the fish, each getting as much as they wanted. 12 When they had plenty to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather up the leftover pieces, so that nothing will be wasted.” 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves that had been left over by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw that he had done a miraculous sign, they said, “This is truly the prophet who is coming into the world.”
Good Morning, This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
The miracle of the Fishes and Loaves is often recounted when women gather food for a potluck meal. There is always that moment when it doesn’t seem there will be enough food for the anticipated crowd, but suddenly there is more than needed.
This is the only miracle that is included in all four Gospels. This makes me ask why? What makes this miracle more noteworthy than healings and even the raising of the dead? This was certainly the most public of Jesus’ miracles. In providing sustenance, there is also an important connection to our command to care for the needs of others.
It shows us the divinity of Jesus and provides us with visible evidence that God will provide for our needs even when things appear hopeless. How in the world can 5 loaves and 2 fish be divided to meet the needs of thousands? The answer lies in the opening words of my question. This miracle isn’t possible in earthly ways, but everything is possible with God’s divine ways.
We, God’s servants, are called to feed the hungry and bring hope to the hopeless. No matter how meager our offerings may appear, God blesses them so that we can meet the needs of countless needy people. Believe and be blessed.
Loving God, We thank you! You bless us each day. You give us hope in our weary world. Let us have faith that you will provide for all of your children. Thank you! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Jesus can transform my gifts into miracles.
Believe and be blessed! Pastor Liz
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