Vacation Time
By Caron Cline
Burke County
Mark 6:33-44
Summer offers the perfect opportunity to take some time away from our busy schedules and enjoy uninterrupted time with loved ones. Even Jesus encouraged some downtime for His disciples after an exhausting and exhilarating season of ministry. All thirteen men boarded a boat and set out for a secluded spot for this much-needed rest. However, the crowds discovered their plan and reached the destination before the boat ever landed on shore. Everyone wanted something from Jesus; healing, deliverance, provision, and even entertainment.
Beneath the surface, these people were longing for something to satisfy their soul; something not easily identified. Jesus was always moved with compassion at the sight of these lost sheep. He understood that these people needed God’s truth-His Word-so He opened His mouth and spoke life to all who would hear. His purpose was to reveal the Heavenly Father in living color. After a long day of spiritual food, the disciples realized that this crowd also needed physical food. There seemed to be no other answer but to send them on their way in order to provide for themselves. After all, no one in their midst could feed this crowd. Much to their surprise, Jesus commanded them to do so.
What?! This was an impossible assignment; not to mention that they were supposed to be on vacation. 200 days’ wages couldn’t feed this group! Ironically, these men had recently returned from a mission trip where they were not allowed to carry extra food, clothing, or money; where every need was provided. Suddenly, amnesia had removed this memory as well as their faith, and there seemed to be no hope of having enough provisions to feed this multitude.
But with faith in Jesus, all things are possible. All the Master asked them to do was focus on what they did have, not on what they did not have. 5 loaves and 2 fish was their answer, but what could be done with such a small offering? It is always enough, for it has nothing to do with the offering, but only to whom it is offered. Jesus multiplies everything that He touches exponentially. He asked all the people to sit down in groups of hundreds and fifties in anticipation of receiving a blessing. Jesus took this small amount of food, looked toward heaven, blessed, and broke it. He then offered bread and fish to the disciples.
The men began distributing bread and fish to the hungry crowd. When their baskets were empty, Jesus refilled them and this continued until every hungry person was completely satisfied. The disciples themselves left satisfied with a basket of leftovers to carry home. We cannot empty ourselves in Jesus’ Name without Him filling us over and over again. We cannot out-give God. Serving others energizes a believer and replaces weariness with the peace of God, a peace that never fails to restore the soul. What a privilege to be the hands and feet of Jesus! A hungry multitude was fed that day, spiritually and physically. There is a hungry multitude in our midst today who are longing for something to satisfy their soul. ‘You give them something to eat!’
John 6:51
“I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh”.
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Caron is a follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Morganton, NC. She loves to teach the word of God.
Her desire is to see every believer grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord.
You can read more Christian News from Caron HERE.
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