DAY EIGHTEEN – Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Mark 6:30-44
Tired and stressed! Haven’t the last couple of years left us all weary? We are overwhelmed with inflation, war, politics, health and people are reacting in impatient and demanding ways. The disciples had much the same feeling that we have – assaulted by demands on all sides and by troubling events. They returned to Jesus after he had sent them to spread his message. They told him all they had done including claiming John the Baptist’s body. Jesus sensed their fatigue and called them to join him on a getaway to rest and process everything. Like so much of life it didn’t work out that way. As they arrived Jesus saw thousands waiting for them. Surely both he and the disciples must have felt their hearts sink, but there is no mention of that in scripture. Gone was the quiet time. Jesus saw the crowd and their need for guidance and support. The plans collapsed and without missing a beat he began to teach. The disciples did not whine or complain. When they saw that the crowd needed food they suggested a practical solution. But Jesus didn’t tell the crowd that the lessons were over and they should leave. He told the disciples to get a potluck together. It wasn’t enough but, after Jesus asked God’s blessing, it worked – with leftovers.
Plans change. Needs are constantly demanding revision. We look around and feel tired and overwhelmed but we only need to do the next thing and somehow it all works out. If we listen to God’s voice and thank him for all he has already done we will have more than enough to do what is needed right now – with leftovers.
Bronwen Quirk
Mark 6:30-44
Tired and stressed! Haven’t the last couple of years left us all weary? We are overwhelmed with inflation, war, politics, health and people are reacting in impatient and demanding ways. The disciples had much the same feeling that we have – assaulted by demands on all sides and by troubling events. They returned to Jesus after he had sent them to spread his message. They told him all they had done including claiming John the Baptist’s body. Jesus sensed their fatigue and called them to join him on a getaway to rest and process everything. Like so much of life it didn’t work out that way. As they arrived Jesus saw thousands waiting for them. Surely both he and the disciples must have felt their hearts sink, but there is no mention of that in scripture. Gone was the quiet time. Jesus saw the crowd and their need for guidance and support. The plans collapsed and without missing a beat he began to teach. The disciples did not whine or complain. When they saw that the crowd needed food they suggested a practical solution. But Jesus didn’t tell the crowd that the lessons were over and they should leave. He told the disciples to get a potluck together. It wasn’t enough but, after Jesus asked God’s blessing, it worked – with leftovers.
Plans change. Needs are constantly demanding revision. We look around and feel tired and overwhelmed but we only need to do the next thing and somehow it all works out. If we listen to God’s voice and thank him for all he has already done we will have more than enough to do what is needed right now – with leftovers.
Bronwen Quirk
