Matthew 14:19

And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. The he gave them to the disciples and the disciples gave them to the people.

Most people are familiar with this part of the Gospels. The feeding of the five thousand is the only event (outside of the crucifixion) that is recorded in all for of the Gospels. Often when you find things repeated in scripture, it is because the idea or event is very important.

Think about this a little differently. This is not just a story about a miracle where thousands of people were feed to full satisfaction with five loaves of bread and two fish. This is really a model of what God does with those who call him Lord and Savior.

In this recounting, Jesus first gives thanks, then breaks the loaves and finally gives them away. He treats us in a very similar manner. I think God is greatly pleased when someone He has called comes to faith. But there is more to it than just that. We must give ourselves over fully to God. And for many people, that means being broken. God uses those tough times in our lives to get our attention and realize that nothing is possible without God, especially our salvation. We must have that dependency upon God and God alone.

Once we have been broken and turn control of our lives over to God, He then gives us away to others. A true faith does not hide in the house never impacting those around you. When we are in His light, it is to shine all around us in the things that we say, think and do. God uses his followers to be examples of His kingdom which brings the best satisfaction man has ever know, far more so than the satisfaction that the five thousand felt after eating their miracle meal.

May you serve with great joy.

Mark