October 31, 2019: SOAP #3619:  Job 22; Mark 7-8

Scripture:  Mark (NIV) 8:1 During those days another large crowd gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 2 “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance.” 4 His disciples answered, “But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?” 5 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied. 6 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they did so. 7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 8 The people ate and were satisfied. Afterwards the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Matthew (NIV) 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Observation:  Mark’s passage above shows how people were living out Matthew 6:33. And it shows how God took care of His part.

Hearing His words was more important than going after food.  Jesus was well aware that they had been with him for three days.  Whatever food supply they had brought with them was now depleted.  All that the disciples could find was “seven loaves” and “a few small fish.”  It was insufficient to feed 4,000 men plus women and children.  But when placed in Jesus’ hands it was a good starting place!  It became more than enough!

Application:  What is insufficient to meet my needs can be a good starting place for Jesus.  I need to place it in His hands.  I need to give Him control.

Prayer:   Lord, as I set myself to “seek FIRST your kingdom,” I trust you to meet my needs out of your riches, not my finances.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!