Uncommon Sense

Scripture – John 6:7-13: Philip answered him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Jesus had just asked, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” (vs. 5) Philip answered that it would cost too much. He didn’t, however, address the simple question Jesus asked. Sometimes my so-called “common sense” trumps all I know of faith. Jesus will open a door for me, but I’ll refuse to go through because I don’t know what’s on the other side and/or I fear I don’t have what I need to face what’s there. In the face of this overwhelming need – feeding these thousands of people – Andrew, at least, found some food. Or, more accurately, he found some one with food, and brought him to Jesus. I think that’s the simple lesson here for me today – to offer Jesus what I have rather than wondering what good it will do.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) God has given me several gifts. He has entrusted much to my care. I will let Him use what He wants. I won’t limit myself by common sense.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Give me boldness today, Lord, to walk as you direct. Teach me to offer up all I have and am to you. I’ll trust you to do what you want with what I have. Remind me that I don’t have to feed the world. You’ll do that as I let go of my loaves and fish.