The God of Plenty (Even Amid Scarcity) June 19, 2024
Mark 6 is a study in scarcity.
First, the apostles are sent out to do the impossible, commanding demons to be cast out. Their instructions were few but detailed: Take a staff, a shirt, and one pair of sandals. Bring no bread, no bag, and no money.
They obey and go and do. The results are miraculous. Surprisingly, no griping or complaining is recorded. How would you respond?
The disciples return from this remarkable journey to find that John the Baptist had been beheaded. This faithful, honored worker, stripped from their ranks. More scarcity - and reasons to be doubtful.
So Jesus suggests they get some rest. The hills and solitude are calling. Jesus needs to pray.
But the crowds are needy and keep coming. Jesus, being himself, is filled with loving kindness. He teaches them, and blesses them, and pours himself out for the sake of the many. But a problem emerges, a very human need. The 5000 men gathered on the hillside (with many women and children also) become hungry, and even needier.
Scarcity again.
The Apostles hatch a plan. “Send them away to buy their own food.”
But Jesus, compassionate, and always challenging, relieves them not of responsibility: “You give them something to eat.”
“Way too expensive,” the disciples respond. “One-half of a year’s wages. Too much to ask!”
Scarcity mindset sets in.
“But what do you have? Go and see” says Jesus. And they bring back five loaves and two fish, hardly enough for the masses. Yet Jesus breaks and blesses and asks the men to distribute.
Scarcity becomes plenty. More than plenty. Enough for each of the apostles to take home a basketful themselves. Surely there is a lesson in this abundance.
How easy it is to let scarcity lead us to frustration and inaction. How soon we forget that scarcity is Jesus’ method of bringing forth his kingdom. (See: Good Friday.) We are taught character, and faith, by becoming dependent. He is the one who must provide.
When faced with a scarce reality, remember the presence of Jesus. Wherever Jesus is, we have more than enough. He is the One able to do so much more than we could ask or imagine. His Word provides. Out of the ordinary His kingdom routinely comes.
What an honor to be one of His ordinary people called to miraculous work!
-Pastor Mike Middaugh
First, the apostles are sent out to do the impossible, commanding demons to be cast out. Their instructions were few but detailed: Take a staff, a shirt, and one pair of sandals. Bring no bread, no bag, and no money.
They obey and go and do. The results are miraculous. Surprisingly, no griping or complaining is recorded. How would you respond?
The disciples return from this remarkable journey to find that John the Baptist had been beheaded. This faithful, honored worker, stripped from their ranks. More scarcity - and reasons to be doubtful.
So Jesus suggests they get some rest. The hills and solitude are calling. Jesus needs to pray.
But the crowds are needy and keep coming. Jesus, being himself, is filled with loving kindness. He teaches them, and blesses them, and pours himself out for the sake of the many. But a problem emerges, a very human need. The 5000 men gathered on the hillside (with many women and children also) become hungry, and even needier.
Scarcity again.
The Apostles hatch a plan. “Send them away to buy their own food.”
But Jesus, compassionate, and always challenging, relieves them not of responsibility: “You give them something to eat.”
“Way too expensive,” the disciples respond. “One-half of a year’s wages. Too much to ask!”
Scarcity mindset sets in.
“But what do you have? Go and see” says Jesus. And they bring back five loaves and two fish, hardly enough for the masses. Yet Jesus breaks and blesses and asks the men to distribute.
Scarcity becomes plenty. More than plenty. Enough for each of the apostles to take home a basketful themselves. Surely there is a lesson in this abundance.
How easy it is to let scarcity lead us to frustration and inaction. How soon we forget that scarcity is Jesus’ method of bringing forth his kingdom. (See: Good Friday.) We are taught character, and faith, by becoming dependent. He is the one who must provide.
When faced with a scarce reality, remember the presence of Jesus. Wherever Jesus is, we have more than enough. He is the One able to do so much more than we could ask or imagine. His Word provides. Out of the ordinary His kingdom routinely comes.
What an honor to be one of His ordinary people called to miraculous work!
-Pastor Mike Middaugh
Posted in From the Mount
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