October 28 - They All Had Enough

Today's Reading: 
Leviticus 20:22-22:16
John 6:1-21
Psalm 35:1-10
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Focus Verses:
John 6:12-13
12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

Insight:
The miraculous feeding of the five thousand is described in all four of the New Testament gospels. What appeared to be an impossible need was met beyond anyone's imagination. What seemed to be an utterly inadequate supply, just a few loaves and fishes, proved to be more than enough at the hand of Jesus. There were enough left overs to fill twelve baskets.

Perhaps the number of baskets was symbolic—one for each tribe of Israel. Just as God had provided for the twelve tribes during the exodus under the leadership of Moses, he was was now providing for the nation through Jesus. Jesus claimed to be the true bread from heaven who would provide more than food for the stomach—he would give eternal life.

Response and Action:
When my circumstances are difficult, I will cry out to God for help. I will pray not only for my rescue from hardship, but also for the encouragement and witness God's deliverance will be for those who are praying for me. Ultimately, I pray that God's salvation and strength in my life will result in praise and thanksgiving to God.

O God, I trust you to provide for my needs. Thank you for your son, Jesus, the bread of life. Fill me to overflowing with the bread of Christ. Bless and provide for me so completely that my life is a testimony of your faithfulness to provide more than enough. May your grace and provision in my life be so complete that the abundance overflows to my family, my friends, and my community. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.

Spiritual Formation Verses: Ephesians 3:20-21
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Resources:
Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church
by N. T. Wright