Jesus' action in feeding the five thousand raises a question for us: there is always going to be someone trying to convert us, so why not let it be Jesus. There is always going to be someone wanting to feed us something, so why not feed on what Jesus gives?
Maybe it is why, amidst all the choices we face in our world, we need to hear Jesus’ words again: “I am the bread of life.” Maybe we need to realize that with such bread there will always be enough; that with Christ our hope lies in our ability to trust in what God is providing.
This is not something we need to fear, even though we are afraid and anxious most of the time. No, it is something we can believe. It is what Jesus is saying to the five thousand; and it is what Paul is saying to Ephesians: that in Christ, God provides.
And if you really want to discover this truth, then live in openness and kindness; live the love and forgiveness you have received from God. In doing so, as Paul says earlier in Ephesians, you will receive more than you can ever possibly imagine (Ephesians 3:14-15). I believe that this is one of the most radical convictions you can have as a Christian, especially in the face of a mindset of scarcity and disbelief and anger and cynicism.
It is also one of the hardest faith convictions to turn into daily practice: to trust that Jesus will provide, especially when you cannot immediately see Jesus providing in thirty-minutes or less.
Dear Friends: God has given us Jesus, as a sacrifice, as bread, as an example to imitate, revealing to us what a true life looks like rebooted in him – having access to God’s grace and receiving more than enough. I suppose the next step at the beginning of a new year is really yours: Do you believe what Jesus says and who he is, or not? Do you believe or not?
Pastor Andy Kinsey
Maybe it is why, amidst all the choices we face in our world, we need to hear Jesus’ words again: “I am the bread of life.” Maybe we need to realize that with such bread there will always be enough; that with Christ our hope lies in our ability to trust in what God is providing.
This is not something we need to fear, even though we are afraid and anxious most of the time. No, it is something we can believe. It is what Jesus is saying to the five thousand; and it is what Paul is saying to Ephesians: that in Christ, God provides.
And if you really want to discover this truth, then live in openness and kindness; live the love and forgiveness you have received from God. In doing so, as Paul says earlier in Ephesians, you will receive more than you can ever possibly imagine (Ephesians 3:14-15). I believe that this is one of the most radical convictions you can have as a Christian, especially in the face of a mindset of scarcity and disbelief and anger and cynicism.
It is also one of the hardest faith convictions to turn into daily practice: to trust that Jesus will provide, especially when you cannot immediately see Jesus providing in thirty-minutes or less.
Dear Friends: God has given us Jesus, as a sacrifice, as bread, as an example to imitate, revealing to us what a true life looks like rebooted in him – having access to God’s grace and receiving more than enough. I suppose the next step at the beginning of a new year is really yours: Do you believe what Jesus says and who he is, or not? Do you believe or not?
Pastor Andy Kinsey
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