"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)
Monday, February 26, 2024 - Day 57 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Numbers 16,17; Mark 6:33-56)
GO AND SEE
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 and said a blessing and 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. (Mark 6:38-44 ESV)
There was a tremendous need. Five thousand hungry followers needed a meal and the local McDonalds would not be open for another 2,000 years. So the Lord sent his disciples out to see what was available among the crowd. They went, but all they came up with was five loaves of bread and two fish. They had gone, and now they were going to really see.
Jesus “said a blessing and 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.”
Five thousand men, plus the women and children, all had enough to eat. In fact, there was more food left over than they had to start with. This was truly a miracle. Jesus is truly someone special. But the people didn’t know yet how special He is.
Today Jesus still feeds us, heals us, provides for us, and loves us. What is most difficult for us to see is His work of salvation in our lives.
First, we have a hard time admitting that we need Him, even though our shortcomings and sins stare us in the face daily. On the other hand, many have a hard time believing that God could love them so much that He would send Jesus to die as payment for their sins.
However, like the folks that enjoyed the fish “fry” in our text, we get to see and taste His miraculous provision in Holy Communion where Jesus comes to us in His very body and blood. This is truly the most miraculous of meals. Here He strengthens our faith in Him, forgives our sins and reminds us that the best is yet to come in heaven.
Lord Jesus, thank You for telling Your disciples, then and now, to go and see Your miraculous work in our lives. Please keep me in Your tender care today and forever. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
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