Diety Part Three: December 9, 2009

TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 9.

DEITY
PART THREE

During December, as you know, we are sharing with you our thoughts on words and subjects that will prepare us for the “CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS” on Christmas day. Today we will look at Jesus’ “POWER TO SUPPLY THE NECESSITIES OF LIFE.”

Defined by Webster:
A God; Divine nature.

GODS WORD

“And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, ‘Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.’” John 6:11-12.

WORDS FROM KEN AND DOTTIE

The miracle that we call “the feeding of the five thousand” is the only miracle recorded in all four of the gospels. This miracle was unique in several ways. First it was very public. Jesus usually performed His miracles before just a few people. This time, the scriptures say that there were 5000 men plus women and children in the crowd.

Secondly this miracle was unusual because the people not only saw the miracle but participated in it. They watched Jesus give thanks to His father in heaven, and then saw the five small loaves and two fish multiply with enough to feed 5000 men, the women and the children. They all ate until they were fully satisfied and then saw the disciples collect twelve baskets of leftovers. Jesus not only provides for the necessities of life but provides in abundance.

Thirdly, Jesus did His miracle with what we would call insignificant materials. The fish were small and the bread was made of barley --- only the poor ate barley bread. There is a lesson in this for us. The little boy’s contribution of his small lunch seemed insignificant. But in the hands of Jesus it was more then enough to feed everyone. We often feel we have nothing to offer Jesus, but if we are willing to give whatever we do have, whether it is time, talent or treasure, God is able to use it and multiply it.

This also is the only recorded time in the scriptures that Jesus asked anyone’s advice. He asked Philip, “Where shall we buy bread that these may eat?” Jesus did not need the advice of Philip because He already knew what He was going to do. John tells us that He asked Philip this question in order to test his faith. Philip admitted he did not have a solution because he was convinced it was impossible to find food for that many people --- he failed the test because he lacked the faith in Jesus’ Deity and power to provide the necessities of life.

And finally it is noted that He involved all twelve of His disciples to distribute the food. He did this as a reminder to us that it is God’s plan to use His servants (US) to give His gospel to the world in need.

THIS WEEKS MEMORIZATION VERSE.

“But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe on His name.” John 1:12.

TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER

I am so grateful for all the necessities of life You have provided for me and my family. Help our family to get a better understanding of Your Deity and Your power to provide. Give me a heart that is sensitive to the needs of others and may I always respond as You lead me and guide me.