Tidings for Tuesday
He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto them, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? Mark 6:37
I remember reading the stories of George Mueller’s early days with the orphanages in Bristol, England. His amazing faith in God’s provision was repeated over and over as he depended on God to supply needs as they arrived. One of the most spectacular was his setting the children down to breakfast and giving thanks for the food at a time when the pantry was totally bare. Before his Amen was uttered, a knock at the door introduced an amazing provision of all the bread and milk the children could consume. God had given Mr. Mueller the responsibility of feeding those children, but He did not give him the responsibility of providing the food. We often forget that when God gives us a task, He plans to perform the major role in completing the task. Imagine how much more we would do for him if we learned that lesson!
What an exciting day that was as described in our text today! The disciples must surely have run with the baskets of food, anxious to get back to see another basketful appearing under their Lord’s hands. I can hear them urging people to eat well, and don’t be afraid to ask for seconds! When the day had ended and they each had their own basket full of leftovers, they would be filled with joy and amazement. A huge crowd was satisfied, and all they had done was deliver the food. What a lesson in faith! For us as well as them.
We are told to preach the Gospel as though it all depended on us, and to pray as though it all depends on God (which it does). What else does God ask us to do? For one thing, He desires we live a Christ-like life. Simple obedience in this is something God can use to His glory, in ways we may never be aware of. God also desires us to be open to His leading in many things. In our obedience, God can display His strength. From the seeds of our little sacrifices and efforts, He can fill baskets, save souls, restore the backsliders, and bring joy out of sorrow.
God never asks us to do the impossible, because with Him, all things are possible. -Jim MacIntosh