"They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over" - Mathew 14:20 (NIV).
The story of Jesus and feeding over 5000 people with five loaves of bread and two fish (Mathew 14: 13-21), has indeed long captured our imagination at the sheer magnitude of this feat. While many tend to focus on this miracle beyond our comprehension, there are some important lessons worthy also paying attention to.
First, we find that the caterers ensured everyone was filled to their satisfaction. In these days of scarcity who would not like to attend an event where the host tasks upon himself to ensure all are amply supplied. Wouldn't we call that a generous host! Perhaps we all can borrow a leaf from this act of never leaving out some, treating all fairly.
The other equally compelling aspect of this story is that after all were filled, the caterers picked up "all the broken pieces that were left" (vv 20). Now you would think that a people who have just witnessed such an abundance, would be the most wasteful. Rather; it was the opposite. They did not leave anything to waste. Even in those days there was concern for the environment.
In the olden days many homes had the habit of storing up left overs for morning bread. As were the disciples of Jesus. That was some sign of good stewardship, and from which enduring wealth springs.
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I pray to practice good stewardship by not being wasteful and take good care of my environment, this I pray in Jesus's name.
Related upcoming events
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20/04/2024 - 21/04/2024 All day“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Cor 16:13)
Tourists who happen to visit Bukingham palace will be expected to notice the King’s royal guards. Dressed in colorful often red uniforms and adorning tall black helmets they stand on guard and no one dare cross them. Elsewhere in life we find guards in all manner of places quite firm on deterring any intruder wherever they may be.
For us Believers being on constant guard is a calling we must permanently observe. And why? Once in the course of his work, “Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Mathew 16:23). Peter had just protested that he would not deny Jesus only to be sported out!
There is something for us to note here. Satan had penetrated the ranks of Jesus and was going through his closest disciple. It is clear that Peter was not even aware that he was being used. Anyway, he found his target, Jesus, was on guard. Immediately Satan was sent packing.
No Believer is immune to attacks from Satan. After all when once the Lord asked Satan his whereabouts: “Where have you come from?” Satan answered the LORD, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (Job 1:7). Clearly the guy is out there 24/7 looking for whom to devour. “Be alert, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8).
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as you have warned us to be on “guard” help me ever to be on the watch out for the attacks of the enemy and with your word rebuke Satan, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
