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Song: Delirious Miracle Maker

Scripture
Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?”
“Seven loaves,” they replied.
So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. Mark 8:5-6

Observation
The “Feeding of the 5,000″ story is repeated in all four gospels. There is a reason why. The “Feeding of the 4,000″ is like an instant replay in slow motion of the first miracle. There is a reason for that as well. If God repeats something twice there is something important he is teaching; if that lesson is written multiple times then it must be very important for us today.

What is the Holy Spirit saying to us? Simple: the way Jesus met this need is how we are to sustain every ministry we do. Jesus was not intimidated by the need or nervous about resources, instead he moved in purposeful, slow motion making clear-headed decisions that led to miraculous provision. When I read this story, what stands out to me is the panic of the disciples contrasted with the serene stability of Jesus. They were looking at the bottom of the bag while Jesus perceived the edges of heaven.

Application
Just hours later the disciples flew into another flap about not having enough groceries with them. Jesus repeated the lesson a third time (which means to really, really listen) then added, “Don’t you understand yet?” Jesus wants anyone in ministry to understand this as well. Ministry to people, especially large numbers of people, will always take a leader beyond his ability to supply. A pastor is given a father’s heart, yet he is taking care of God’s family, which has too many hungry mouths. Just as Jesus couldn’t pay the lunch bill, so over and over again in ministry we will be taken far beyond our ability to supply. What are we to do? Jesus modeled for us actions that said in effect: if I am a servant, then this is God’s problem. Jesus did what practically could be done and lifted his eyes to heaven and gave the difficulty to the Father. There is the example for us to follow. Whatever the need, the problem is not ours, it is God’s. Faith is not shown by a worried brow or flexing jaws, but in a simply doing what next needs to be done and expecting God to do the rest. Just keep walking forward with one good decision after another and see where God takes you.

Prayer
Father, you are our Provider, but so often we act as if you are not. Help me never to see an organization, an institution, a person, a paycheck or any other thing to be my sustenance. That is far too limited. Instead, let me like Jesus learn the relaxed upward gaze in front of a hungry crowd. Let me not get stage fright when it comes my time to walk in serene trust. Amen.