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Food for Thought Food for Thought: a summer devotionThe Gospel readings in the New Testament of the Bible -- stories about Jesus -- all record an account about Jesus feeding a crowd. The numbers fed varies -- as also the the amount of bread (loaves) and fish used -- but in each, there was plenty for everyone to eat when Jesus fed them, and there were plenty of left-overs! Have you ever gone on a summer picnic -- or packed to go camping for a few days? The amount of stuff we take along these days seems to defy logic. It takes a van to transport our provisions for a weekend away! -- The point is: even then, in Jesus' time, it is unlikely that the crowds of people had followed Jesus without any provisions, says the Bible scholar William Barclay. And so it was that a boy had some food to share with others when Jesus' disciples puzzled over how to feed the crowds of people to strengthen them after a long day of learning from Jesus and to fortify them for the homeward journey. To allow the gift of a boy to be seen as part of the miracle or sign by Jesus doesn't violate our faith. It shows that God gladly accepts our contributions to his provision for the world. It also reminds us that we are part of God's wonderful creative and restorative 'work' when we serve oneanother as God would wish it. In this case the boy helped his neighbours. And together -- with Jesus' encouragement -- they were able to break down the barriers between people --even if it was only to have them also share food with oneanother. * For me, there are several possible miracles or signs here that point to Jesus' divine gift. Jesus tried to help people understand that he came as 'God among them' to bring them God's new covenant of hope and redeeming Grace. The Gospel of John, in this pasage, merely asks of them to believe in him whom God had sent from heaven. Like manna in the Old Testament stories about the exodus from Egypt -- God provided for His people in this story too. But, this Jesus, was really the true 'bread from heaven' -- far more nourishing than manna because he can feed our souls so that we are fortified daily for our journey through life, to an eternity with God!! -- What does it mean to walk with Jesus daily and to 'feed on His Word'? -- The Bible, in the New Testament, gives us loads of advice, correction and encouragement. It also promises us God's constant and eternal love when we place our hand into God's -- I recently tried to demonstrate how dependent we are upon worldly food and that children will already choose instant gratification over God's Word and its promises and advice about how to love Jesus. But, my children's address in church 'flopped' because the children present that day all chose the Bible over a can of pop and some candies! Wow! They amazed me! * These children also brought the Bible story to new life for me -- because in their response I too saw God's amazing Presence! Those children wanted the Word of God more than 'a snack'! They understood what Jesus was asking of them, and offering to them. * May we be so wise. God bless you. Amen
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