Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
October 8, 2023
Mark 6:33-40
30 The apostles returned to Jesus and told him everything they had done and taught. 31 Many people were coming and going, so there was no time to eat. He told the apostles, “Come by yourselves to a secluded place and rest for a while.” 32 They departed in a boat by themselves for a deserted place. 33 Many people saw them leaving and recognized them, so they ran ahead from all the cities and arrived before them. 34 When Jesus arrived and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then he began to teach them many things. 35 Late in the day, his disciples came to him and said, “This is an isolated place, and it’s already late in the day. 36 Send them away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy something to eat for themselves.” 37 He replied, “You give them something to eat.” But they said to him, “Should we go off and buy bread worth almost eight months’ pay and give it to them to eat?” 38 He said to them, “How much bread do you have? Take a look.” After checking, they said, “Five loaves of bread and two fish.” 39 He directed the disciples to seat all the people in groups as though they were having a banquet on the green grass. 40 They sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 He took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, blessed them, broke them into pieces, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 Everyone ate until they were full. 43 They filled twelve baskets with the leftover pieces of bread and fish. 44 About five thousand had eaten.
Good Morning. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Sometimes, we need to rest! Jesus sent the disciples, who were tired and ready to relax, ahead to find a place. Jesus joined them a bit later and found that a huge crowd had gathered. He could have dismissed the group and asked them to return tomorrow, but that is not who Jesus is or how He does things. He saw an opportunity to teach and share the Good News, so that is what he did. There was no organized plan, but he met the people where they were and served them.
Think of those times when you were tired and ready to sit down for a bit. About the time you settle into your chair, someone needs you. Maybe a family member, a neighbor, or a co-worker has an unexpected need for help. What do you do? Do you send them away and say come back tomorrow? That might be what you first think, but you most likely drag your weary self from the chair and go to help.
Once you get to those in need, do you grumble and serve out of obligation, or do you embrace their problem and help without judgment? God always meets us where we are in our times of need. Jesus was tired and ready for some rest, but when he found those in need, he shared the Word until all were spiritually fed.
Loving God, We love you! Even when we try to do the right thing, we often complain and grudgingly do the right thing. Help us to serve you with joy in our hearts. Thank you. In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Today, I will trust God and give without reservation
Blessed are those who give of themselves! Pastor Liz
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