Luke 9:16-17 Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he KEPT giving the bread and fish to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers.
It’s a story told of provision from the hand of God. Look at the word kept. Over and over the disciples returned as the need continued. Somehow this has escaped my attention until now. The need was real and it was not met all at once. The disciples had to return for a refill of God’s provision until the need had passed. It’s almost as if Jesus wanted the attention on who was doing the providing and not on the food itself. Can you imagine the straining necks to see? “Will he do it again?!” “Will he do it yet again?!” And on it goes. When everything was done, the provision was excessive and overabundant.
In my mind, I can see the expectation and astonishment on hungry faces. That look on the disciple’s faces as faith grew. Raised eyebrows and barely contained laughter.
In John 6:9 it opens the story further. The one who gave of himself was a little boy. The first five loaves and two fish were his. Can you see him? Eyes big at watching how God used him, a mere child! The little gift rippling out to bless so many! I can imagine him telling the story to his children and grandchildren of how the Savior used him.
What can this mean for us now? Some of us are in a time of needing provision or we can look down the road and see the possibility of it. Fear can take over. These are real needs. Some among us may have the privilege of being that little boy and giving. Then the waiting to see the hand of God use it. It’s just like our Savior to include us in a miracle. Lean into that expectation. Let’s start to wait on the edge of our seats, strain our necks and give our fish. “Will he do it yet again?!”