February 26, 2017 - GO AND SEE

Day 57 - Numbers 16-17 & Mark 6:33-56

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. Bless my visit to Your Communion table this morning, and keep me strong in the faith.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf