“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).

This devotion will unpack the miracle of Jesus feeding the five thousand, as told in all four gospels; we learn these facts and teachings that we can apply to our situation at Nashville Rescue Mission.

1. “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (Mark 6:34).

We are experiencing larger than average numbers of guests, especially among our women and children. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that when Jesus sees our guests, he is filled with compassion for them for the same reasons—they are like sheep without a shepherd. Let us pray to have the mind of Christ, so that we will experience this same compassion.

• “Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat” (Mark 6:26).

The disciples observed the large crowd, and knowing their own financial situation, especially being in a remote area, decided on a very logical course of action. The people were hungry and needed to go somewhere else for food. We may feel the same way—seeing that our capacity is finite, and our numbers are exceeding all expectations, it seems logical to tell our guests that they should go somewhere else to find a place to stay.

• “But he answered, “You give them something to eat” (Mark 6:37).

In this case, Jesus disagreed with his disciples about sending the people away. Jesus knew that he was the source, not only of earthly food, but also spiritual food. That is the danger of sending anyone away from a place of spiritual refuge when they are hungry, needy, and unprepared.

• “… he gave thanks and broke the loaves.” (Mark 6:41b).

After making an inventory of available resources and finding only the lunch packed by one young boy, Jesus gave thanks. He then distributed the food among the people. He gave thanks. He did not bemoan their lack of foresight, lack of generosity, or lack of anything. He simply gave thanks. We are to do likewise. The scriptures speak often about giving thanks. We are not to be anxious about anything but instead give thanks. We are to give thanks in all situations. Giving thanks should be the continuous word on our lips.

• “Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.” (Mark 6:41b).

God used the meager gift from the boy, which of course was not meager to the boy. It was his entire lunch, yet he gave it willingly. And Jesus used the disciples in the distribution. What an honor! God does not need our gifts. He does not need our hands and feet. But we need to be used by Him. Let us be thankful that God has called us to this place of ministry to be his hands and feet.

• “They all ate and were satisfied…” (Mark 6:42).

Not only was everyone satisfied, but there were also leftovers! With God all things are possible! We know this, so let us live it out. Let us be thankful for the facilities that we have, the staff that we have, the generosity that is exhibited by staff, donors, and volunteers. Let praises always be on our lips, even as we lift our petitions and supplications. Let us be faithful to our calling, and faithful to our own growth in sanctification. Jesus will bless our faithfulness.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

In Christ,

Judy