July 30 Abundance of Loaves and Fishes

Dearest e-votees-

This Sunday's appointed text is Matthew's account of the feeding of the 5,000 with 

May God's abundance and provision sustain you and others through you.

Peace,

Karl

-------

As you probably know we have four gospels that made it into the canonical scriptures:  Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  Three of these gospels are very similar and obviously information passed between them (and perhaps a lost document referred to as "Q" as well).  These three gospels are Matthew, Mark and Luke and are referred to as the synoptic gospels since they all have a very similar perspective.  John has a very different set of details, perspective and theological slant than the synoptics.

There is only one miracle that Jesus performed that ended up in all four gospels.  It is the account of the feeding of the 5,000.  You can read about it in: 

Some things to note:

• It seems that 5,000 was the tally of men. Adding in women and children greatly enhances to total fed.
• the loaves and fishes were a little boy's lunch. That said, there is no way that they started out with the volume to fill 12 basketfuls.
• There are 12 disciples out fetching the scraps and 12 baskets. Clearly not a coincidence.

Some applications for us:

• We might look at our own resources and say "There is too great a need. Look at all these people. I only have a little boy's lunch." What might Jesus say back to us?
• What might have happened this day if the little boy's lunch didn't come into play?
• Are we mindful when walking around filling up a basket of how much has come to be? Are we grateful for God's provision or grumbly about having to serve in the role of a busperson?
• Was this a story just for the time of Jesus or does this sort of thing still happen?
• The whole event began by Jesus being stirred with compassion (literally a stirring of the bowels in Greek). Are we open to being stirred with compassion for those in need around us?

Dear God, there is a world in need in us and around us. You have compassion and grace for us. In the words of Tiny Tim "God bless us, everyone!" We pray you stir us and use us as agents of your blessing. Help us render service and tend to the needs (physical, emotional, spiritual) of others all to your glory. Amen.