August 04, 2019: SOAP #3531:  2Kings 22; 2Chronicles 34; John 6

Scripture:  John (NIV) 6:5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming towards him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip answered him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”

Observation:   Jesus’ question was a test for Philip.  Philip’s answer showed that he was thinking of the least amount that would be needed.  He was thinking of only enough “for each one to have a bite.”  Jesus was thinking of abundance.  Jesus was thinking of everyone having “as much as they wanted” (verse 11) and of 12 baskets full of leftovers! (verse 12)   All of this from five small barley loaves and two small fish! (verse 9)

Before Philip even began considering what needed to be done, Jesus “already had in mind what he was going to do.” (verse 6)   He knew what would be available and He knew what He could do.  He was with the mother that morning who packed the lunch for her son.

Application:  I never have a good reason to panic.  Jesus already has in mind what He is going to do!  Many times, God’s answers have obviously been prepared well before I was even aware that I would be facing those needs.  Answers to my questions have been in the scriptures I read earlier in the day.  A sermon preached a year ago and broadcast on the radio yesterday contained the answer I need today!   What I needed today was put in the mail last week!  The job God provided months back provides for many needs today.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, help me patiently wait in expectation that the answer to my dilemma is already on the way.  Knowing that you already have in mind what you are going to do encourages me to wait with thanksgiving.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!