You give them something to eat.” Mark 6:37
Knowing Jesus would land somewhere along the opposite shore, the people rushed there expectantly in the hope of greeting Him. As Jesus and His disciples approached the shore, they saw a crowd waiting. Jesus had compassion on them because they were like shepherdless sheep. The disciples appear to have had compassion for a very mundane reason – it was late in the day, and they were in a remote place. These thousands of people would be hungry. What would they eat?
The human thinking of the disciples said, “Send them away so they can go buy something to eat.’ How shocked they must have been when Jesus simply replied, “You give them something to eat.” This was God’s solution to the dilemma. Jesus went on to explain what they were to do to accomplish the job.
How often do we, like the disciples, go to Jesus praying, “Lord, please help this person; they have a need,” when He intends for us to meet the need. God often burdens us with a need in order to motivate us to meet it ourselves. Is this not how ministries begin? God shows a need, lays it on a person’s heart, and in that passion, shows the person how to go about it – prison ministries, homeless shelters, campus ministries, unwed mothers, to name a few.
What is God telling each of us to “go and give”?
Father, in your grace you lay on my heart the needs of individuals and groups of people. I desire to be open to your voice speaking to me. Help me clearly discern what I am to do to obey and meet needs you have chosen for me. Amen
Mary Barham
