John writes:
1 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”
15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. (John 6:1-15, ESV, emphasis mine)
We start this selection of the text with a different disciple speaking up after Philip expressed his sentiments on the matter at hand. Lots of people = a large supply of food. LARGE. Philip simply mentioned what appeared to him to be fact, perhaps, in some form of sarcastic tone. Yet Andrew directs the attention to a boy who happened to be present carrying a SMALL selection of fish and bread.
Now before we continue, let us make mention of the fact that our God is a God who exists as sovereign over all things, including the intricate details of the situations we face on a daily basis...as in the case of these disciples and the large crowd of hungry people. We often get so caught up in the details that we forget He is a God of the details. The Scriptures indicate this often...as in the case of the building of Noah's Ark. Or how about the Tabernacle. Or perhaps the giving of all the specific laws. Maybe even in the details of David's life as he walked as a shepherd boy before becoming King. Or how about the details of all the specific prophecies mention in the Old Testament of the coming Messiah that were TOTALLY fulfilled in Jesus the Christ. He chose 12 disciples, not 11, not 13. 11 followers + 1 betrayer. And so on, and so forth.
Even here, we see how He works all things together in His intricately woven plan to accomplish His purposes and bring God the glory He is so worthy to receive.
So...back to the text. There is a boy with five loaves and two fish...again, Andrew adds like Philip, "What are they for so many?" Jesus' response? Let's see what it is NOT...
1. Andrew?!?! You are right! Even though I just cured so many people of diseases, multiplying food for the masses is definitely out of my control! JESUS IS NOT LIMITED BY OUR PROPOSED LIMITATIONS ON HIS POWER.
2. Oh, my precious disciples...you just don't get it. Get out of here. JESUS DOESN'T REJECT HIS PEOPLE FROM HIS PRESENCE WHEN WE CONTINUE TO ACT FOOLISHLY.
3. Why do I even continue to show my power to you, of little faith?! JESUS DOESN'T STOP SHOWING HIS GLORY TO HIS PEOPLE WHEN WE CONTINUE TO ACT FAITHLESSLY.
Instead, Jesus orders them all to sit down. Isn't that what you expected Him to say? "Sit down." I love it!!! And what is great, is that the text says that God has already led them to a place to be able to obey that command. In verse 10, John records, "Now there was much grass in the place." I cannot exclaim it enough...God is a God of the details! He ensures us the ability to accomplish His will through the provision of His Spirit in every area of our lives. They were led to a place where there was much grass to sit and WATCH Jesus take little and make much. They were able to sit down and watch the Miracle Maker do His wonders. And then they would get to partake by not just seeing, but also consuming the result of His miraculous work. And how many are we talking? The details record about five thousand men in number, not people. Thus, with the inclusion of women and children potentially present, this number could range from ten thousand to fifteen thousand! THAT DOES NEED A LARGE SUPPLY OF FOOD. But really, when we get caught up on the details instead of the God of the details, we quickly forget that the crowd doesn't need a large supply of food...it simply needs a large God to work!
And that's our Jesus! Faithful to do what, in man, is impossible.
What details in your life have you focused so much on that you have missed the God who is at work where you are? Like Andrew or Philip who had Jesus in their presence, we too are able to ignore the presence of God at work around us.
My response to you....like Jesus...."Sit down." And get ready to watch the God of all do what only He can do to display His wonders. "Sit down" and gaze upon the beauty and splendor of our Sovereign God who will meet your needs - both physical and spiritual. May He feed your soul today to have faith and overcome the doubts and uncertainties of the situations you face at this point in the journey of your life.
#4hisfame.
1 comment:
"Sit down" and watch His Glory! I love it. The God of details wants commands us to SIT IN COMFORT and watch Him do the impossible. Wow!
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