Daily Devotions: August 6, 2017

Daily Devotions: August 6, 2017

Matthew 14:16-21

“Jesus said to them, ‘They need not go away; you give them something to eat.’ They replied, ‘We have nothing here but five loaves and two fish.’” vss. 16-17

Sometimes we don’t realize that the little we have is enough to make a big difference. We’re very aware of how impossible and entrenched the world’s problems seem to be, particularly the ones that revolve around poverty and hunger. Some might even say, quoting Jesus out of context, “the poor we will always have with us,” and take that as an excuse to do nothing or think that our efforts will have a minimal effect. The disciples certainly didn’t believe that five loaves and two fish could feed 5000, and until Jesus encouraged them, they thought the only solution for the problem was to send the people away. We don’t know how Jesus did manage to get so many fed but it’s a persistent story, showing up in all four gospels….and twice in a couple! It obviously prefigures the meal that is at the center of worship throughout the church, but it also points to our responsibility to provide bread for the world, and thereby meet the very real physical needs of the poor. How good it is that our congregations all around the world are known for their generous support of feeding and nutritional programs! Even our governments respond to the active lobbying of groups who are determined that at least a portion of tax money be devoted to helping the poor.

Thought for the Day: What can I do to help feed the hungry?

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