Readings for Pentecost 7

Jeremiah 23: 1-6

Ephesians 2:11-22

Mark 6:30-44

Passage for meditation: 

But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?" Mark 6:37

Devotion:

 With all the news of economic woe, employment rates dropping, and sinking stocks, we can relate all the more with the disciples who were called to feed the crowd of 5,000.  In the face of financial limitations, the task seems completely overwhelming.  In fact, the task the Jesus calls the disciples to is more than overwhelming- it is impossible, at least on their own.

The task that the Lord calls us to- to “make disciples by baptizing and teaching” by sharing Christ the Bread of Life- is also impossible, on our own.  The very real financial limitations that we face individually and as a congregation often cause us to respond “that would take eight months of a man’s wages!”

And yet, what is impossible for us is not impossible for God.  It is the Lord who provides for all our needs (not our “wants”) . It was Jesus who feed the 5,000 that day gathered on the green grass- it is Jesus who continues to provide for our needs, individually and as a congregation.  And it is the promise of Jesus to provide for the continuation and spread of His church, as we engage others in the making of disciples- “I am with you to the very end of the age!”

In renewed trust in the promise and provision of Jesus, we go forward in prayer and praise sharing Christ the bread of life with those around us!