February 20, 2024
February 20, 2024
Pause. Pray. Read. Be still. Write. Pray.
Read: Mark 6:30-44
The apostles returned to Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. And when it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is now late. Send them away to go into the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii[a] worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” And he said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” Then he commanded them all to sit down in groups on the green grass. So, they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, said a blessing, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And he divided the two fish among them all. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. And those who ate the loaves were five thousand men. (CEB)
Be Still: Who doesn’t love a good gathering connecting Jesus, food, and fellowship. If you’ve spent any time in the United Methodist church then you know Jesus, food, and fellowship go hand in hand. But I wonder, have you ever been hungry? I mean hungry to the point of famished, not knowing where your next meal would come. I’ve been hungry at times in my life, in fact, as I write this devotional I can hear and feel my tummy rumbling wanting food. Yet, I know I can reach into the fridge or in the cabinet to help ease the hunger pangs.
This large crowd following Jesus, came from all over just to hear Jesus teach. They hungered for more than just food, the people were captivated by what he said, and sought to develop a deeper spiritual connection with this Jesus. As daylight ended, Jesus knew the crowd needed food for their bodies, not just their souls, so he provided for the many, satisfying their spiritual and physical hunger. They all ate and were satisfied, yet the baskets remained full.
Do you ever wonder what happened to the twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish? Where did they go? Did they give them to people in the surrounding towns? Did they throw the food away? I would love to hear your thoughts. In my mind, the baskets will forever be full, reminding us how there is always enough of God’s Word to go around. God will abundantly provide, filling us with His love and grace. I hope you’ve cultivated a daily habit of reading the Bible, meditating on its teachings, and seeking new ways to apply them to your life. May this practice keep your spiritual hunger alive and growing.
Prayer: God of abundance, thank you for the ways you provide satisfying our spiritual needs. May we continue to seek new ways to help deepen our relationship with you. Amen.
Together,
we are held in Christ’s love,
Pastor Kellie