This is the title of the Hymn of the Day for this coming Sunday for the traditional portion of our worship services. It’s actually an Advent hymn, but very fitting for this particular Gospel. It is Matthew 14:13-21; it tells the familiar and loved story of Jesus feeding over 5,000 people with only five small loaves of bread and two fish. A little mayo and one could make a handful of tuna fish sandwiches—but it would hardly feed that many people, so, the only other alternative is that this is one, true miracle of God!
Those were desperate, needy times. People were either dirt poor or filthy rich. There wasn’t too many in the middle ground of things. It’s just the way it was in those days. As Jesus traveled what one might call a “beach tour” – traveling along the shoreline – the crowds grew more and more with each stop. The Lord makes His final stop for the day and it is getting late. It’s not the most populous place along the tour, and, the disciples are a bit nervous about how these folks are going to be taken care of for the night. There aren’t any McDonalds or quaint little cafes close by. The disciples are feeling a little responsible and want Jesus to send them away. In the most positive way possible, kindly kick them to the curb.
It’s late. The people need to be excused so they can go and look out for themselves.
Jesus counters this attitude with these words, “They need not go away…you give them something to eat!” (vs.16) “Uh, Lord, we only have enough for us” is the response.
Jesus’ loving patience has worn thin with these guys. He takes care of it all for them. Somehow, what they had was enough. 5,000 men (not to count the women and children who were with them) were fed, and overloaded baskets of bread were collected after they finished. “All ate and were filled.” (vs. 29)
How this happened is unexplainable. That’s what one calls a miracle.
This is a story of hope. It wasn’t the end of the world, true, but some people could have gone to bed hungry that night. Jesus wouldn’t hear of it. In His own way, He handled the situation with grace and confidence. In what was a simple task for God (…for nothing is impossible with God…thank you very much Luke 1:37); it was “a piece of cake” for Him, well, in the form of bread and fish.
God always finds a way. He offers hope to all who hunger in any way. If we are willing to share what we have, He will make it grow. Last Sunday we had a number of images about the kingdom and one was the image of a mustard seed. It’s all God needs. Give Him a little, and He will make us hopeful!
In your prayers this week, remember those who were affected by the Sunday tornadoes. Give thanks that no one lost their lives and that what was lost can be replaced. I’m particularly thankful that folks in our parish (such as Pat Wolf, Pastor Ed and Brenda, Tate and Annabelle, and, I’m sure others) who were close to this storm came through it okay. We should all have grateful hearts.
Come, and see; come—everyone who is thirsty and hungry – even though who have no money – come eat and drink – without price. God’s gift of life, love, mercy, and eternity is free. We experience this every time we gather for worship. Know that even though God doesn’t always answer in a way we would like or expect, know that He answers with responses we most need!
Because of the work through His Son, Lord Jesus, our existence can be hopeful. It is hopeful. God is good. He is with us. We shall survive, and better than that–because of God’s love–we shall thrive. Peace is with you. Enjoy it.
Remember that God loves you and so do we!
Pastor Jim