Let's see, here we have thousands of hungry people and just one simple lunch. That's a problem! How do you do the math on that?
Well, when you have Jesus it helps balance the equation: 1 lad + 1 lunch + 1 Lord = leftovers!
No wonder the feeding of the 5,000 is one of the most popular and well-known miracles of the Bible!
This miracle illustrates an important truth that binds all the Biblical miracles together - every miracle came in response to a need! Search the Old Testament and the New Testament and try to find a miracle that did not happen because there was a God-sized need to be met.
In 2013 America, we don't like having unmet needs. Most don't need to be needy. Some believe they are entitled to have their needs met. I don't enjoy being in need and I doubt if you do.
But, let's think about this. Miracles arise in response to needs and we don't like to be needy. So do you think there could be a possible connection between our aversion to needs and the rare occurrence of miracles?
While I am sure the answer to the question of miracles is more complicated than just a reluctance to admit you have a need or your unwillingness to suffer need, I am sure it is part of the reason.
A multitude to feed, a dead brother to raise, a sea that stands in the way, a man who is lame, a man who is blind and millions in a dessert needing food and water, were all desperate needs that were met by a miraculous provision from God.
Every person I know would love to receive a miracle. But not every one of them is willing to bear suffering or neediness.
If needs give rise to miracles, and if you don't want to be in need, guess what you will likely not receive?
Perhaps you need to spend some quiet with God and give this some prayerful consideration.
No comments:
Post a Comment