November 22, 2018: SOAP #3176:  Matthew 11-13

Scripture:  Matthew (NIV) 14:20 They all ate and were satisfied, …
Matthew (NIV) 15:37 They all ate and were satisfied.

Observation:  In chapter 14 we read of Jesus taking 7 loaves and a few small fish and feeding 4,000 men plus women and children with 7 basketfuls of leftovers.  In chapter 15 we read of Jesus tasking 5 loaves and 2 fish and feeding 5,000 men plus women and children with 12 basketfuls of left overs.

In both cases, Jesus took an insufficient amount of food from the hands of the disciples, blest it and returned it to the disciples.  Then they fed everyone with enough to satisfy their hunger and have basketfuls of extra food remaining.

Application: These two passages always make me pause and ponder God’s provisions for my life and ministry.  When I am doing His will, I can trust His provision.  When I am doing my will, I may need to supply the needed provision.  For me it means that His provision is the proof of His calling.  When I am obeying His command and I put my insufficient supply in His hands, He makes it more than enough.  If I must beg and plead for money, or if I have to motivate people to give by providing some incentive, I am probably doing my will more than His will.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, when I am walking in obedience and doing your will, I can count on you to provide what is needed to accomplish your will. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!