Believe

Our summer theme can be summed up in one word, "Believe."  We have been considering who Jesus is and how we respond to him.  If we truly believe, our lives are changed because of that belief.

Jesus shows us that God is here with us.  Knowing that is vital to our lives.  We must learn to depend on God and to trust God fully.

This week, we are considering Jesus' feeding a crowd of over 5,000 people in the wilderness.  He used what was given, 5 loaves and 2 fish, to feed a multitude.  In his hands, little became much.  All were satisfied and there were 12 baskets full of leftovers.  Jesus proved that he was and is God with us.  Wow!

I am fascinated that there were 12 baskets full of leftovers.  Many people believe that the 12 baskets represent the 12 tribes of Israel, and demonstrate that God provides for all of God's people.  I wonder if the 12 baskets could also represent the 12 apostles.  Jesus repeatedly calls his followers to feed his sheep.  Here, he provides the much needed resources for each of the apostles to do so.

When we give what we have to God, God works miracles.  Crowds are fed.  People realize that God is present.  We all grow and learn to depend on God.

When we depend on God, we learn to work together to feed the multitudes both physically and spiritually.  It is my prayer that we grow in God's grace and make a difference in this world.

Paul prays this in Ephesians 3:18-19, "I ask that you'll have the power to grasp love's width and length, height and depth, together with all believers.  I ask that you'll know the love of Christ that is beyond knowledge so that you will be filled entirely with the fullness of God."

We believe!  Fill us, Lord!  Let us believe and live!