Being a Vessel of Blessing

Text: Mattews 14: 13-21

This story, the feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle Jesus preformed that is recorded in all four Gospels. Therefore we can conclude this to be a very important occurrence. It occurred during the Passover season about one year before Christ’s death (John 6:4). Wherever Jesus went large crowds gathered. Now at this time several things had happened. Remember, Jesus was just rejected by the people in His hometown, as a matter of fact; He departed the area as they were attempting to push Him off a cliff. His disciple’s had just returned from the mission field, a trip He had sent them on (Mark 6:30; Luke 9:10). Word had just come to Him that Herod had beheaded His forerunner, John the Baptist (Matt 14: 1-13). Not only was John His friend and partner in the ministry but also he was Jesus’ cousin, His own flesh and blood.

Having going through all this, Jesus and His disciples got into a boat and crossed the Sea of Galilee to a deserted place to be alone. But when the people heard that Jesus had departed they followed on foot. When Jesus saw that the crowds had followed them, how did He react? Did He get back into the boat and go further away? Did He get upset that He wouldn’t get any rest or time alone with the disciples? No, far from being irritated by this intrusion, He had compassion for them (vs.14) and began to cure them from any and all afflictions they had. Likewise, He’ll have compassion for each of us. All we have to do is to turn to Him and put our trust in Him. He’ll take care of all our needs.

The second lesson that we can draw from this story is, John in his gospel records that the 5 loaves and 2 fish were owned by a little boy (John 6:9). God could have performed the miracle even without the boy offering what he has. But, our God is a God who creates opportunity for us to partake in His plan and purpose for mankind. He invites us to be in partnership in His ministry. He uses what we have. He never demanded the boy or the disciples to go to the nearest shop and get some more bread. But all that He did was, He used what the boy had. It is even true today, that the Lord expect us to participate in His ministry to bless others. It is not that God can not do without us, but it’s an honor for us be part of His mission. Here, the boy availed what he has. Are we likewise availing what we have for His glory or are we withdrawing ourselves from being used by Him. Only when the boy availed what he had the Lord made it enough for the great multitude. The boy was the agent of blessing for the crowd simply because he was willing to share what he has.

I am personnally challenged when i meditate upon this passage. Many a times we ourselves being children of God fail to avail ourselves to be used by Him for His glory and for the edification of others. So, after a long time of silence, i have once again decided to start blogging and be a blessing for others. I hope i can keep this fire and go on blogging rather than once again going into silent mode after a while.

My Prayer: God give me your strenght and keep this conviction afresh everyday that i will serve you and your people faithfully. Amen.