Shant Manuel of Far Corners Ministry was our guest speaker this past Sunday. He shared with us about the significant work being done in Nepal, India. (To learn more about or to support this ministry, click on the “Far Corners” link above.)
Shant then brought us an excellent message from John 6, Jesus miracle of feeding over five thousand people with only five loaves and two small fish. We learn here several lessons which should challenge our faith and obedience.
It was just before Passover and Jerusalem was no doubt teeming with visitors in town for the celebrations. They had heard about this man Jesus too… this man said to do miracles… the one many called ‘Teacher.’ And so multitudes clamoured behind Jesus and His disciples as they crossed the Sea of Galilee… as they climbed up on a mountainside.
Scripture tells us that when Jesus looked up and saw them He turned to Phillip and asked “Where should we buy bread for these people to eat?” (John 6:5). It was a test. Scripture tells us it was a test. Jesus already knew how He was going to meet this need (v.6). But He asked Philip anyway. He wanted Philip to think. As if to ask, “Look Around You Phillip… What resources are available to you? Where would you go to solve this problem?”
Phillips did look around. Perhaps he thought of a few merchants yet so far away – but before he even thought of the merchants he realize the impossible cost. He replied, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite.” (v.7). An astute observation of fact. Phillip turned to his own resources and thinking and found them lacking. But another disciple, unnamed in John’s gospel, saw some meager resources. “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish,” he reported, then added “but how far will they go among so many?” (v.9)
There was some small strength among their human selves but woefully not enough. Still this disciple willingly brought it to Jesus. He knew Jesus was also a resource among them.
If you have been listening to the Spirit speaking these past several Sundays, and not just listening to His messengers, you will recall the emphases on prayer… you will recall also this morning’s Bible class video — one man’s testimony of God answering bigly. You will note too Don Longworth’s captivation for weeks now with the promise “You may ask Me for anything in My Name, and I will do it.” (John 14:13,14).
It seems our God is calling us to BIG belief.
What BIG belief is He asking of you today? To what resources will you turn?
More tomorrow…
thebrokenrunner 
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