Devotions
The feeding of the 5,000 is a story we know well. We are inspired by this miracle when we are caught in worries of scarcity. This miracle reminds us that Jesus will provide. Yet, while we focus on his impactful teaching and miraculous feeding of the crowd, it is easy to gloss over the thing that makes it possible: rest.
In reading this story, what do you notice?
From time to time everyone needs a revival and there is no better time to take stock of one’s spiritual pulse than at the beginning of a New Year.
In Habakkuk 3:2, the prophet Habakkuk takes stock of the spiritual environment around him. He reveals that he had heard of the LORD’s fame, but it is no longer evident in his day. Perhaps he had heard about the Lord providing a lamb in the nick of time for Abraham’s sacrifice (Genesis 22: 12-14).
Do you remember the toilet paper shortage of 2020? It was absolutely insane was it not? I remember visiting my local supermarket and thinking, “You’ve got to be kidding!” The aisle was completely empty. Later I learned that the pandemic had interrupted production lines, thus the shortage. Sadly, when we look for peace in the world today, we sort of get the same feeling. The peace aisle is empty. Production lines have been interrupted. Nations are in turmoil. Families are in turmoil. People are in turmoil.
