Scripture: Luke 9:12-17
The day was drawing to a close, and the twelve came to Jesus and said, “Send the crowd away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside, to lodge and get provisions; for we are here in a deserted place.” But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” They did so and made them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled. What was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.
Thought for the Day: As I walked down the street a few years back, there was a group of people taking up a collection for “Jerry’s Kids” (to support those with Muscular Dystrophy). One of the people had a sign which read, “Miracles only happen when willing people take a chance.” I was planning on giving a little money, but the sign was good food for thought. In fact, I liked it so much that I gave a little more than I had originally planned. Theologians and Bible scholars can argue over whether or not Jesus could have fed the 5000 without the initial help of the disciples, but that’s all a guessing game since we only have the story before us. What we do know is that some reluctant disciples eventually allowed themselves to risk their own food. In the end, their risk not only provided enough for everyone there, but even leftovers beyond that moment. We are facing some significant issues as a nation and world, and we wonder how they will be solved. Yesterday morning on the news someone said, “It will take a miracle!” That’s probably true, but miracles start when people risk sharing in a spirit of compassion and love.
Prayer: May I find in you, O Lord, reason to let go and risk what it takes to participate in a miracle of grace. Amen.
Join us this Sunday…
Worship at 8:15am, 9:30am & 11:00am
Sermon: Temptation Island
Matthew 4:1-4
