Bring them here to me
by Pastor Steve Liersch
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‘We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,’ they answered. ‘Bring them here to me,’ he said (Matthew 14:17,18).
Read Matthew 14:13–21
I was okay at maths during my school years, but to the best of my ability, five plus two doesn’t equal five thousand. I often wondered at the size of the fish and loaves in this story, thinking that the fish must have been massive and the loaves enormous. My mind would wonder about the person who brought them. Did the mother in their household represent the first Scout Leader who had the mantra, ‘always be prepared’, firmly etched in their thinking as they headed out each day?
How easy it is for us to enter any number of situations in life that seem overwhelming with a list of what to bring running through our minds? Think of what you might need as you enter a room full of strangers, knowing you have to cope with conversations with them. What will I talk about for two hours over the dinner table? How can I make the new person at the office feel more at home? What can I give to the neighbour in my street who has just moved in?
Being prepared is one thing – trusting God to provide us with what we need is often another. When Jesus gave directions for the people to be seated, he revealed something so wonderful about himself that should catch our attention also: Jesus turned to his (and our) Heavenly Father, gave thanks, and distributed what was necessary for the people in that situation, even if that meant those observing couldn’t see a logical or possible good outcome.
I can’t help but think of what little I often have when entering some of life’s overwhelming situations and how underprepared I am for the task ahead. It’s wonderful to know that turning to our Heavenly Father to multiply our ‘little bit’ will provide enough for the best outcome. A smile, a flower or 10 minutes of our time can leave plenty of room for him to do what he does best – answer our prayers using that which we willingly offer him to bless those present in some way.
What resources, skills, gifts, talents and abilities do you have that God can multiply to bless others?
Heavenly Father, thank you for taking what you have first given me to use to bless others in ways I could never have imagined. Please do it often so that you can be honoured and glorified. Amen.
Pastor Steve and his wife Angelyn are virtually empty nesters living in the beautiful southern Perth coastal suburbs near Warnbro Sound beach. He likes gardening, watching sports, working on home projects and spending time with his wife and children. He is constantly seeking ways to help connect people to Jesus in a meaningful way.
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