Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
August 6, 2021
Read 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! Fishes and Loaves for all!
As I return home from vacation, I thank God for my many blessings. It is easy to view vacations as an unnecessary indulgence, but I believe that each of us needs time for nourishment. It’s funny how being engaged in days of tiring activities can actually bring about emotional and spiritual healing. I feel recharged and ready to take on my last year of teaching and my first year as pastor of South Fluvanna.
The story of the fishes and loaves is a favorite of many people and is often quoted at church and family gatherings when some worry as to whether there will be enough food for everyone. This morning I would like to focus on verses 12 and 13 where Jesus asks the disciples to gather the remains so that nothing is wasted. First, consider the idea that there are leftovers. We remember that everyone was fed, but have you taken time to think about the idea that they filled the baskets with food after everyone was full. As I type these words, my mind is filled with other related ideas like the woman who asks Jesus to feed her the scraps from the table and being given the living water from which we will never thirst. Jesus wants the disciples to gather the remains so that none is wasted.
Let’s take a moment to consider how we waste what we have. I remember a time when I was making sugar cookies with my grandson, Kenneth. We carefully rolled out the dough and Kenneth picked his cookie cutter. As he prepared to place it in the dough, he lined up over the center. I showed him how to start at the edge and turn the cookie cutters so that we could get the most shapes cut without wasting the dough. He learned that we didn’t have to waste any of the precious dough if we carefully used what we had.
Jesus’ love and mercy are represented in all of these stories. First, there is enough for everyone to be filled to overflowing. Secondly, we should share what we have so that all might be filled. Finally, we should not waste the leftovers because each piece belongs to someone. They might be immediately evident, but there is always someone who is waiting for even the smallest portion to fill their soul. Until all are fed, we must continue to serve.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. You provide so that we will never hunger or thirst for your love. Help us to share what we have with those in need so that everyone may feast at Your table. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: God can meet any need.
Be nourished by Jesus! Pastor Liz
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