God Provides

What can a church do with meager resources? Let’s learn about the abundant resources of heaven, by examining the miracle of feeding the 5,000 in Matthew 14:13-21.

When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick. (Matthew 14:13-14 NKJV)

Among the sins of the church is a lack of compassion. Blaming poverty on laziness alone is hardhearted ignorance. More often the poor are victims of corruption, crime, overpopulation, low wages, inefficient distribution, bad education, environmental degradation, political oppression, colonialism, disease and war. Jesus feeding 5000 radically contradicts selfish religion.

When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.” But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:15-16 NKJV)

Like many of us, the disciples wanted to send the crowds of people away, Jesus told them, YOU give them something to eat. Can we hear the selfish political lies that many Christians believe? The saying, God helps those who help themselves, is a lie, not found in the Bible?

And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.” He said, “Bring them here to Me.” (Matthew 14:17-18 NKJV)

God took a child’s packed lunch to feed a large crowd. God showed Elisha a mountain full of horses and chariots of fire all around. God provided a Kinsman Redeemer for Ruth. God helped David slay a giant with the smallest weapons. God gave Abigail wisdom to save the day.

Throughout scripture God promises His providence. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you” (Psalm 55:22). “He will feed His flock like a shepherd” (Isaiah 40:11).

“Fear not, I will help you” (Isaiah 41:13). “humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6, 7). Of the small offering, Jesus said, Bring them here.

Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. (Matthew 14:19 NKJV)

Jesus BLESSED the small offering. We give thanks at a meal, because God created all things good. We acknowledge that we need God in our lives, that we live because of His Providence and we give thanks. When Jesus blessed the loaves and fishes, he was preparing an extraordinary Provision.

So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. (Matthew 14:20-21 NKJV)

Jesus fed the huge crowd. They all were FILLED. God provided. Communion reminds us of our daily bread and the Bread of eternal life, Jesus. Our offering is also small. God multiplies our efforts. He will supply. We cannot provide all that our world needs. He multiplies our small offerings.

Our physical resources are small and the task is overwhelming, but we are in the miracle business. Let’s not look to what we can bring, but to what our Lord provides.

Readings

Genesis 32:22-31 Are we quitters, or do we struggle with God and men and prevail?

Psalm 17:1-7, 15 Do we purpose that our mouths do not transgress? Will we only be satisfied when we awake in God’s likeness?

Isaiah 55:1-5 Why do we spend money for what does not satisfy?

Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 How patient is God with us? How does God satisfy our desires? Do we speak the praises of God?

Romans 9:1-5 Would we give everything up for our wayward nation to be saved?

Matthew 14:13-21 in Rhyme

Jesus departed there by boat

To a deserted place remote

Crowds followed Him from the cities

He was moved for them with pities

Healed their sick, but His disciples

Said send them to buy some staples

But then Jesus said you feed them

They said with some fish and a crumb?

Jesus took the fish and the loaves

He blessed and gave them to the droves

So they all ate and they were filled

With twelve baskets left they were thrilled