Today’s devotion is Matthew 15:32-39. This Scripture covers Jesus miraculously feeding the 4,000, until they all ate and were satisfied, out of only seven loaves of bread and a few small fish.
The key verse is Matthew 15:32. “And Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, “I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.”
The primary lesson that I glean from this Scripture is that when we seek the kingdom of heaven, God will provide all what we need, including food. Matthew 6:33 states; “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Because these people remained with Jesus for three days even though they had not been fed until this point in time, I think that they were seeking to learn from Jesus and to experience anything else that Jesus might do. They genuinely sought the kingdom of heaven, and Jesus fed them.
There were those people, most likely at another time and place, who had ulterior motives like those whom Jesus said: “… “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.” John 6:26.
Still, this lesson remains. Philippians 4:19 states: “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Today’s Scripture was not only for the benefit of the 4,000 who were fed; it is also for our benefit. So, we may trust God to provide all of our needs as we seek His kingdom and righteousness.
There is also a second lesson. Jesus can provide for our needs when our eyes only see very little such as the seven loaves of bread and a few small fish in this Scripture.
I remember very well more than 10 years ago when I was faced with a stack of monthly bills. For so many times, God seemed to provide for my needs through a check from my business income that would arrive just in time. But, the check did not arrive when I expected it as the last chance to pay my bills on time. I did not even have lunch money. Yet, I had an appointment with my Pastor around noon to do some work for the church together. As I walked to the social hall where I met him, I pitied myself and thought: “God let me down. Here I am working hard for God, and He did not supply money so I could pay my bills. He did not even give me lunch money.”
As I arrived in the social hall, I was surprised to see a women’s group who were sharing potluck food. They insisted that they make a plate of food for me. They even seem to compete with each other as to who could give me the best and most food. It seemed like the most delicious food that I ever ate. God also later provided money so I could pay all my bills. I thought it was too late, but it was not too late. God took care of all of my needs from what appeared to me to be comparable of seven loaves of bread and a few small fish.
I suspect that we all have similar stories. I encourage you all to share your stories with each other even if it makes you look weak. It will encourage others. I also encourage you to save your written stories (your testimony) whether it be by keeping copies of your written stories in a file, or by “publishing” them in a web site like I did with “Gold Mining”. (See “tag” at top of this page.) It will remind you of what God has done for you. It will encourage you. It will build your faith to get you through the next tough time.
In conclusion, seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Don’t despise little things, like the seven loaves and a few small fish, that you have which God can use to supply all of your needs.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 