out of the ordinary | the food

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. Today, we continue looking at food items. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through each of them. Amen.

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 the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:18-21, NIV

The miracle of the five fish and two loaves only comes about because Jesus is concerned for the whole person. A huge crowd has followed him on foot from the surrounding towns and villages and he has compassion for each individual; he wants to minister to them all, body and soul.

But the fantastic thing about this miracle is it’s not Jesus who performs it; his disciples do. Imagine… simply by being obedient to Jesus they see the food multiplying in their own hands! Picture each disciple, holding their breath, thinking until the very last moment there may not be enough, that some may go hungry, only to gather twelve baskets of leftover food fragments.

It works like that for us, too. God is able to give into our hands everything we need to help others and take us far beyond what we imagine we can do. He can bless our obedience in a way that adds supernaturally to anything we might be able to do naturally. He increases us in every way so we achieve miraculous things for the Kingdom. And as we serve him, he meets our individual needs, body and soul.

Remind yourself today; you live to serve an awesome Saviour who cares for you, even as he uses your hands to minister to others.

Let's pray
Jesus, this fragmented world needs you. Help me today to be a good, faithful servant. To expect to see you add supernaturally to everything I do for you naturally. I can't begin to comprehend how the Father can know everything about every one of his image-bearers, but I believe he does and I am grateful for being fully-known and fully-provided for. Thank you for your love and care. In Jesus' name. Amen.