Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Matthew 15:29-39(Jesus feeds the four thousand)
With just 7 loaves of bread and a few SMALL fishes, Jesus did what is impossible with man but possible with him. All he did was to take the 7 loaves and the fish, GAVE THANKS and broke them. At the end of the day, the disciples picked up 7 basketsfuls of broken pieces that were LEFT OVER.

Luke 9:10-17 (Jesus feeds the five thousand)
With just 5 loaves and 2 fishes, Jesus again did what is impossible with man but possible with him. All he did was to again take the 5 loaves and 2 fishes, GAVE THANKS and broke them. At the end of the day, the disciples picked up 12 basketfuls of broken peices that were LEFT OVER.

What is the significance of the above?
1)Give thanks in all circumstances
Notice how Jesus gave thanks before he performed miraculous and wonderous things like feeding the 4000 and 5000? Similarly what we can learn from here is to give thanks to the Lord in all circumstances! Even when the situation seem grave and all, take some time to utter a prayer of thanksgiving. You know what, that shows great faith and it's high prayer. Surely our Lord who promises that He's always near us, hears your prayers. Help and answer will be on its way!

2)With God all things are possible
Just when we think that with 7 loaves of bread and a few small fishes(matthew 15:29-39) and 5 loaves and 2 fishes(Luke 9:10-17) is not enough to feed the 4000 and 5000 respectively, with God all things are possible! Amen!

3)Nobody is too small that God cannot use
In Luke 9:10-17, where do you think the 5 loaves and 2 fishes came from? The sky? No! It came from a boy! A boy who willingly gave up his basket of 5 bread and 2 fishes for Jesus. Looking at ourselves, we should know that we're not too small that God cannot use! Another thing to note is that the boy gave his service willingly. Are we then willing to do God's work even if it means a sacrifice on our part or even if it means inconveniences?

4)No effort(service) rerendered to God is too small that God cannot move and show himself strong
Notice how God can do much more with less?

7 loaves of bread and a few small fishes=feed the 4000=7 basketfuls of broken pieces left over
5 loaves of bread and 2 fishes=feed the 5000=12 basketfuls of broken pieces left overCan you comprehend the equation here? Hallelujah that our God is able! Looking into our lives, we can be like that boy with only 5 loaves and 2 fishes to offer up to him(service/effort) and we may think it's really small and insignificant but if we willingly give our all to God and just place this trust and faith in him, you'll see how God can move in miraculous ways!

Lastly to share with you one song by Corrine May, entitled 'Five loaves and two fishes'

A little boy of thirteen was on his way to school
He heard a crowd of people laughing and he went to take a look
Thousands were listening to the stories of one man
He spoke with such wisdom, even the kids could understand

The hours passed so quickly, the day turned into night
Everyone was hungry but there was no food in sight
The boy looked in his lunchbox, at the little that he had
He wasn't sure what good it'd do, there were thousands to be fed
But he saw the twinkling eyes of Jesus, the kindness in His smile
And the boy cried out with the trust of a child, he said:
"Take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as You willI surrender
Take my fears, my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it allTo feed them all."

I often think about that boy when i'm feeling small
And i worry that the work i do means nothing at all
But every single tear i cry is a diamond in His hands
And every door that slams in my face, i will offer up in prayer
So i'll give You every breath that i have
Oh Lord, You can work miracles
All You need is my "Amen"

So, take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as You willI surrender
Take my fears, my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it allI hope it's not too small

I trust in You, i trust in You
So take my five loaves and two fishes
Do with it as You willI surrender
Take my fears, my inhibitions
All my burdens, my ambitions
You can use it all
No gift is too small