Multiplication – Luke 9:10-17

I like the testimony and challenge of Carolyn Woo, who serves with Catholic Relief Services:  “…in planning for most of our ministries, we seldom actively incorporate the power of the Holy Spirit.  We too often focus on what we can do, rather that what we should do.  The latter invokes God’s desire and invites the Holy Spirit, who inspires us and leads us toward creativity and growth.”   Steve Greene, of Charisma Leader, urges us to “let God do the math” because He “thinks bigger than we do.”

On their return the apostles told him all that they had done. And he took them and withdrew apart to a town called Bethsaida. When the crowds learned it, they followed him, and he welcomed them and spoke to them of the kingdom of God and cured those who had need of healing. Now the day began to wear away, and the twelve came and said to him, “Send the crowd away to go into the surrounding villages and countryside to find lodging and get provisions, for we are here in a desolate place.” But he said to them, “You give them something to eat.” They said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people.” For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” And they did so, and had them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing over them. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And they all ate and were satisfied. And what was left over was picked up, twelve baskets of broken pieces.  (Luke 9:10-17 ESV)

The disciples return from visiting the villages of Israel, casting out demons, healing people and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom.  An attempt to get away and debrief draws a huge crowd to whom Jesus ministers.  But food is an issue and the disciples have more to learn.

They are ready to send the people away but Jesus instructs them to do the impossible, to feed the crowd.  Then he takes 5 loaves and 2 fish and feeds over 5,000 people with food left over.

God has called us to minister to people in His power, not our own.  What people need He is willing to provide but He wants to use us in the process.  If we only think within the box of our own abilities we will be frustrated.  If we look to God to multiply what little we have He will do great things.