...other meditations

Bread of Life

the disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. "be careful,"Jesus warned them. "watch out for the yeast of the pharisees and that of herod." they discussed this with one another and said, "it is because we have no bread." aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "why are you talking about having no bread? do you still not see or understand? are your hearts hardened? do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? and don't you remember? when I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" "twelve," they replied. "and when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?" they answered, "seven." He said to them, "do you still not understand?" mark 8:14-21

one loaf of bread for a journey? the disciples were distressed over this failure to prepare and began to try to place the blame on one another. Jesus knew their thoughts, but continued His teaching about the yeast of the pharisees and of herod. Jesus needed their full attention, but they were more focused on their 'problem' and were distracted from His teachings. when Jesus heard their bickering again, He rebuked them and began asking them some tough questions.

through this questioning, Jesus encouraged His disciples to remember what He had done on two separate occasions. He fed thousands of hungry followers with little amounts of loaves and fishes. every mouth was fed with much food left over. by these miracles, they learned of God's graciousness and His faithfulness in provision. yet, it quickly slipped from their minds. they lacked the understanding that Jesus, their Provider, was with them in that boat. what else could they want or need?

i believe the scripture passage not only provides a glimpse into the hearts and minds of Jesus' disciples, but it also describes us as well. we often find ourselves in a panic and wonder how we're going to get by or get through a situation. these emotions overshadow the wonderful reality of God's goodness and loving kindness. our Lord God said, "never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." (hebrews 13:5) God is reliable and we can stand secure in His promises.

our circumstances and situations may be difficult. the direction where God leads us may be an uphill battle. still, we needn't worry over such things. instead, we must place our complete faith and trust in Him. that is the key to our own understanding of His goodness and mercy. that one loaf we have is enough. it is all we need, because we have the Lord Jesus Christ in our boat!

trying to remember…
understanding a little more,

tamara