Plenty or in want
by Chelsea Pietsch
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He said to the disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over …’ So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces … left over by those who had eaten (John 6:12,13).
Read John 6:1–15
This story of the loaves provides us with insight into who Jesus is. It reveals to us that he has the ability to work miracles, showing us his divine nature. It also demonstrates Jesus’ practical nature. Our Lord is concerned with people’s needs. He cares for the hungry.
Did you notice that Jesus doesn’t just produce enough food to fill the crowd, but he also has enough for there to be plentiful leftovers? Jesus is generous. His hospitality is not frugal but abundant. He wants to bless us.
How has God blessed you in your life?
Sometimes we don’t see how God is blessing us. In fact, at times, he can feel very far away. A wise pastor once told me that, in times like these, we can pray to God: ‘God, I know you want to bless me. Please reveal to me how you are blessing me through this.’
Are you in times of plenty or in want? Are you giving thanks to God for his abundance, or are you crying out for assistance without explanation for your suffering?
Either way, come to Jesus. Keep speaking to him. Thank him for the times of abundance and joy. Thank him even for the times of suffering. Ask him to teach you and lead you so that, either way, you may be strengthened to show abundant love and generosity to others as he has shown you.
Lead me, Lord Jesus, to live a life of abundant love as you have shown us. Amen.
Chelsea Pietsch is a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Adelaide. She is married with two children and a consultant to Lutherans for Life (www.lutheransforlife.staging.lca.org.au).
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