October 30, 2019: SOAP #3618:  Job 21; Mark 5-6

Scripture:  Mark (NIV) 6:35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people [5,000 men from verse 44] away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” 37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take eight months of a man’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.” When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”

Observation:  The disciples had a compassionate and logical suggestion.  Jesus responded by instructing THEM to feed the crowd.  Then he asked them a question that led them to the heart of the issue.  He told them to check out the facts.  “Go and see.”  The facts were that they had 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed 5000 men plus women and children!

Application:   Some would lead us to believe that the disciples had a negative confession.  They confessed to having only 5 loaves and 2 fish.  Their report did not discourage Jesus, and it helps us understand the magnitude of this amazing miracle!

If the bank balance sheet, if the laboratory report from the hospital, if the empty grocery shelves, if the enemy has a larger army than we have, if anything looks discouraging, we should not hesitate to bring the facts to Jesus!  It will only demonstrate the greatness of the miracle!

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, I am so glad that you are not afraid of the facts.  I am even more glad that your facts can over-ride our facts.  We are confident that you are working for your glory and our good! Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!