Prayer Journal

Monday, February 23, 2004

The disciples told Jesus there were just too many people to feed. I'm certain they felt what their Lord was doing was important enough to provide a snack, but there was just too many. So they came to the only logical conclusion. They advised Jesus to send everyone home to eat. After all, as disciples they were in the ministry business, not food service!

It was then that Jesus revealed something about what he expected then and now, of those who follow him. He wants us to provide the need of those whom we serve. Now, I've got to tell you, I probably would have told Jesus the same thing if I were one of the disciples. I mean, we can ask God for healing, for escape from the control of demons, a new job or even a life partner. But food? Come on, do we really need to bother God with such a trivial matter?

Think about it: Jesus could have provided the food for the people in any number of miraculous ways. But he wanted the disciples to share in what God was about to do. And as a result, the story of the feeding the multitude has echoed down through the ages.

David wrote, "Many. O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done... They are too many to declare." (Ps 40:5) Jesus' compassion on the physical needs of those who followed him and his desire to build the faith of his disciples was consistent and obviously got the attention of the disciples. There is far more written about feeding the multitude than other single miracle suggesting it made a lasting impression on the disciples.

Around our house, we often joke that we're saving something for "good." You do it too, I imagine: When it's time for dinner, we use the everyday dinnerware unless there's some special occasion or guests coming over for dinner. In that case, we'll take the fine china out of the cabinet and polish the silverware.

Today, why not get the good stuff out and invite the Lord to dinner in your life. What's that? You don't know what to prepare? Just clean up the place, set the table and let Jesus bring the food. He desires in meeting our every need.

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

1. Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Lv. 14:1-57 Mk. 6:30-56 Ps. 40:1-10 Pr. 10:11-12 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

Copyright © 1998-2004 James R. Green and Prayertower Ministries
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