Mark 6 - 7.15.25

SCRIPTURE:  MARK 6:35 – 44

“By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”

But he answered, “You give them something to eat.”

They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”

“How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.”

When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”

Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.”

OBSERVATION

The disciples share their human concern for the five thousand people, knowing they will need to eat. Their idea is to send them away. Jesus wants to show them a spiritual lesson of not just seeing things in the human way but in God’s way.

This Sunday, Pastor Levi continued his series on Moses and spoke about “What’s in Your Hand.” The sermon focused on when God spoke to Moses and instructed him about going to Pharoah. Although Moses had concerns about his ability, God used what was in his hand, a staff, as an instrument to help Moses and to prove to those around him that God spoke to him and is empowering him.  If you haven’t listened to the sermon, I highly recommend it. You can always find the links to all sermons here:  https://www.desertstreams.com/sermons

Just the same way God used what was in Moses hand, Jesus used the same process of taking what was readily available and in the disciple’s hand to miraculously show Jesus’ power and abilities.

I love the fact that Jesus did not only feed the 5,000 (and more since this is counting only the men), there were 12 basketfulls of leftovers! He abundantly and exceedingly provided for their needs and then some. This is exactly showing God’s heart and mission.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” Ephesians 3:20

APPLICATION

In the story about Moses and the Disciples, God / Jesus used what was in their hand, a simple staff or bread and fish, to encourage, empower and embrace that God can use the simple things in life, what’s in your hand or abilities, for miraculous uses and God’s glory.

One thing to consider is that Moses and the Disciples were willing vessels. Each were asked to do something, and they complied through faith. They had no idea what would happen, but knew who they were talking to:  God / Jesus. They were all showing their faith and trust in God / Jesus by complying to their request – especially not knowing what would happen next. If they didn’t have that faith and trust, they would not have complied.

God can use everything and anything in your life and hands to further God’s kingdom. If you’re like Moses or the Disciples (and we can probably say we are), you’ll probably question some things:  Am I qualified?  Do I have all that’s needed?  In God’s eyes, you have everything that’s needed once you trust and believe in Him. He can use your current gifts and talents for His Kingdom.

You are his masterpiece – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:13 - 14

He chose you just as you are – “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love” Ephesians 1:4

He equips you – “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” Ephesians 4:11-12

You have everything you need in God’s word -  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

I’ve often struggled with feeling inadequate or not equipped to the point of avoidance. Have you ever done that – completely avoided something because you feel not ready?  Sure, I’ll do what I can (study / prayer) to help, but I still struggle, at times, in stepping outside my comfort zone. When I do take that initial step, God miraculously comes through and shows that all things are possible. Just like Moses and the Disciples, when you step out and follow through with His lead, God will make the miraculous happen.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for all these examples in the Scriptures that show I can take what’s in my hand to do your work. Please forgive me for the times I’ve not followed through or avoided what I should be doing in your name. Lord, guide and direct me to take what’s in my hand, to know it’s enough, in your service. You have equipped me and chose me – even with my shortcomings and inadequacies – to do Your work. Thank you and praise you for taking all of us just as we are, and using us for your Kingdom. In Jesus name!  Amen

- Mary Oberg