The Loaves and Fishes- A new view of Jesus's Love.
Stop, Stay, and Pray-Don't Run Away!
The Story:
We have all heard the story of how Jesus, the Great Teacher, fed thousands with a few loaves and fishes. Did you ever ask yourself what the point of this story was? I did once and it was revealed to me. What was the point? That Jesus can perform miracles, that we should break bread together, that Jesus cares about our physical needs?
The Surprise:
No! Jesus had already turned water into wine at the wedding, so we already knew that He could perform miracles. We already were told that Jesus loved us! We already knew the value of communing with other believers. So what was the significance and underlying message of this story? I am glad that you asked!
The Message:
Do you remember what the Great Teacher said to the Apostles when they said "
Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat"? Jesus said"H ow many loaves have ye? go and see". And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. "And He commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass." There is the message! Do not let them go away! "I am the Bread of Life... Whosoever comes to Me shall not hunger". How often do we keep ourselves busy out of fear, pain, grief, anger,self pity, and the like? I do it! How often do we need something to eat in the morning or to check our emails or to let the pets out before we pray? Jesus says to "sit down". Why? He is what we need! Time spent with Him, is time spent being fed.
Many times I would have a busy day planned or be late for work, and would not spend time with Him in the morning, and my entire day would suffer. I had problems with anger, fear, jealousy,envy, despair etc. However, when I take time to pray AND meditate and ask God to help me to see where I can better love, be patient, be kind, be consoling, and to be obedient, I see His presence in my day. I have learned that prayer is asking and meditation is listening. If I pray and walk away it is like asking you how you are and walking away immediately! I ask God for knowledge of His Will and I then need to listen and hear Him! Meditation is not clearing one's mind for relaxation purposes, or for fun. It is to make us able to listen, to learn. Spend time with Him who strengthens us, because it is Him who is all that we need!
After spending time with The Master, we must then walk on His Earth and live the message and be the light for others to see. How can we show others what God's Power can do, if we do not receive it ourselves? I do not always act like a Christian. I don't! I must stay close to God and be shown what His Will is and receive strength to do what pleases Him. I need His Strength to do this, not will power, not my own discipline, but Him. So instead of "running around" I have found Power and comfort in sitting down with Jesus, and having Faith that He will provide, and not I.Let us never forget who is the Almighty Shepard, and who are the sheep. Since He is love I must spend time with Him, get fed and THEN get up, go forth, and love and "feed" those about me!
A Prayer :
"God, My Master, show me how to better love my fellows, and give me the strength to resist temptation. Thank you for loving me, and providing what I need! help me to be brave, but not so, that I stray, to be kind but not that I will gain from it, and to forgive, because you forgive me! Please give me strength to live as you would have me.
Sit quietly and listen. Then
-picture all fear, especially that of your needs and wants not being met, leaving you like a dark cloud over a town or a lake.
-envision those you will see today and stop. Let God show what His Will is.
-get quiet again and listen, watch with your eyes closed. LET HIM GUIDE YOU. He cannot show us where to go, and what to do, if we won't allow Him too! Even Saul, who was thrust from his horse had to listen to His Voice!
Practice:
Try sitting quiet today and spend time with Jesus. Then, break bread with other believers. Tell them of your fears, anger, and other shortcomings. Then, ask how they are doing. Arm yourself in this way, and Satan will fail in his attempts on your life. Accept God's Love, Strength, and Will, and you shall not fail!
Thank you for spending time with me!
