Compassionate One

Yesterday's reading was so meaningful and insightful. It was the one in which people gathered to hear our Lord Jesus speak to large crowds of 4,000 or 5,000 men excluding in its count the women and children. I used to think how could they get the numbers right when reading different versions of this story, missing the whole point. It is NOT about the numbers, it is about the way the Lord sees each and every one of us within those numbers with compassionate eyes.

I like looking at shows such as the survivalists, where we are taught how to create fire in various ways. Yes, fire can be made from many materials both man-made and natural. Knowledge is power and essentials are needed to survive. God supplies us out of his compassion, as he did feed the multitude.

The interesting part of the story is that grown men were given the task by Jesus "You give them something to eat." (Matt 14:16).
They had said previously, that it was a "deserted place." Jesus maintains that they, (the hungry people) need not leave.

Five loaves and two fish, were given over to Jesus to feed the multitudes. After the distribution, there was twelve baskets full of fragments and of the fish. (Mark 6:43). This means to imply that God can fulfill all our needs with great abundance.  His abundance is never exhausted. He is enough.

Three type of people are found here, beside the needy. One who says, we can't, and they don't even try. The other who says perhaps, we can if we try. The last type just gives everything over, knowing and trusting that whatever they have is enough, whether physically or spiritually, and gives it to God to multiply for everyone to receive.

God provides the blessing and we the distribution.

Everywhere you turn people are concerned about futuristic things. During my recent travels, I met an old woman, who was from the Russian Church. She pulled out a cross like the one my husband wore around his neck, saying that it was given to her for a baptism gift. She was saddened by the way people have turned away from the Church and by their lifestyle choices. I told her I believed in the power of God and His ability to do all things in His love and plan for us. Luke 12:5, paints for us a picture of current events, especially verse 4-6.
(vs 7) says, "But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore, you are of more value than many sparrows."

Today, I am grateful for the God who loves me and loves you too. Who not only sustains us in the here and now, but has an everlasting plan for us, when we like the crowds, draw near to Him. He is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

(verse 8) "Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God."

The one thing that you can depend on in life, is that God loves you, and He will provide for you, if you seek and ask Him.

references taken from the Orthodox Study Bible