Then He took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to Heaven, He blessed them, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. Luke 9:16
Five thousand men, plus women and children, had a lovely meal that day. Everybody had enough, nothing fancy, but it was good and hearty fare. Baskets passed around by the disciples were rapidly emptied and refilled and emptied again. There was no collection plate visible, either, nor was any plea heard for financial contributions or pledges. And the people had been hungry, too, because they had spent most of the day listening to and watching Jesus. It didn’t matter, the supply was more than adequate, and everybody was content. All because Jesus blessed the five loaves and two fishes, and broke them. Jesus is still working miracles of supply today; we just don’t notice that He’s doing it.
The loaves were probably no more than ordinary buns, and the fish were undoubtedly small; these were just a practical lad’s lunch, after all. Expanding the supply to meet the demand was possible only because of the Blesser and Breaker. From sources of supply that the world often disdains, the Lord Jesus feeds His people today with all the bounty we can consume.
Practically speaking, we are bountifully supplied. From our little measure of abilities and talents, God has enabled us to feed and clothe ourselves, and to provide lodging. Honesty forces us to ascribe all this to God’s kindness and care. David acknowledged that, because the Lord was his Shepherd, he would not want. The same Shepherd preserves us from want today, and we are thankful.
But far beyond the needs of these mortal frames, God has provided. Redemption. Eternal life. Hope. Peace. Joy. Satisfaction. All these and much more are a direct provision flowing from the Father’s sacrifice of His Son as the Lamb of God and from the working of the Holy Spirit in our experience. From our emptiness, hopelessness, and wretchedness, God has provided beyond our ability to comprehend.
God has also provided us with His Word, which is an inexhaustible supply of spiritual food. He has given to us the fellowship of His saints, the honour of His presence in our Assembly, and so many blessings that fill our lives with meaning and purpose.
The One who blessed and broke the bread and fish is blessing and breaking His bounty for us today. Let us partake with thankfulness. -Jim MacIntosh