Devotion - Wednesday, August 29

This morning I read John 6:1-15.  This is John's sharing of the events in which 5,000 were fed with five barley loaves and two fish.

There are many things which could be said about this story, but this morning I would speak to you about abundance.  These few loaves and fish did not seem to be enough - but they were.

We are too easily overcome with worry or anxiety with regard to scarcity.  We lack the confidence that we will have enough.  The feeding of the 5,000 is the Church's retelling of it's experience that there is plenty, and even baskets full of fragments to spare.

This story is about food.  Food is very important and may be the thing (next to water) which we need to have.  But the story also lends itself to address other needs in our lives.  It speaks to God's ability to overcome scarcity in other quarters of our life.

I am not naive enough to pretend there aren't real shortages in the world.  And I do not intend to add to the anxiety of those who find themselves lacking.  I offer this story and this reminder that God is prepared and continually looking for ways to provide.  This may be manna that falls from heaven, or it might the aid of a fellow disciple.  Look for this assistance and receive it.  When it is needed in your life, acknowledge and ask that it might be overcome.

God is generous and gracious.  He does provide.