Deja Vu
Opening Prayer
“Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers…” (Phil. 4:6 CEV).
Read Mark 8:1-13
[1] During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, [2] “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. [3] If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” [4] His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” [5] “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. [6] He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. [7] They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. [8] The people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. [9] About four thousand men were present. And having sent them away, [10] he got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of Dalmanutha. [11] The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. [12] He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it.” [13] Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What was the reason for Jesus’ miracle here?Do you get the feeling we’ve been here before, or have you, like the disciples, already forgotten about the time 5,000 were fed? Jesus asks them the same question as last time (5): “How many loaves do you have?” He is telling them to make an inventory of their resources. You can imagine them looking at those seven loaves, then at the crowds, then back at the loaves. How can so little bread feed so many? It’s not even worth a try. What is the point in knowing that you have seven loaves, when there are 4,000 hungry people in front of you?
But Jesus looks at those meager supplies and sees potential. Instead of focusing on the many loaves that are lacking, he takes those seven loaves in his hands and lifts them up to heaven. Rather than complaining about his needs, Jesus thanks God for what he has already been given.
It’s easy to come to God with a long list of the things we lack. But God has already given us all gifts. Yes, we still have needs, but let’s not forget to thank God for all he has given: money, skills, time, health, family, etc. The list is endless!
Apply
Make an inventory of your resources. Thank God for all the good things he has given you, however insignificant they seem.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I am so very thankful for all You’ve given me. Help me never to forget to thank You.
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