This morning we came downstairs for breakfast and found our dear friend Elfie already grabbing a bite to eat ahead of us. However, much to the boys dismay, Elfie’s breakfast was not an acceptable breakfast for them. Our scripture for today comes from Matthew 14:14-21:
14 When Jesus came ashore, he saw a large crowd. He felt deep concern for them. He healed their sick people.
15 When it was almost evening, the disciples came to him. “There is nothing here,” they said. “It’s already getting late. Send the crowds away. They can go and buy some food in the villages.”
16 Jesus replied, “They don’t need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
17 “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
18 “Bring them here to me,” he said. 19 Then Jesus directed the people to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up to heaven and gave thanks. He broke the loaves into pieces. Then he gave them to the disciples. And the disciples gave them to the people. 20 All of them ate and were satisfied. The disciples picked up 12 baskets of leftover pieces. 21 The number of men who ate was about 5,000. Women and children also ate.
We had to read this story through about 4 times before it dawned on the boys that the story started with 7 food items and ended with 12 baskets of left overs. Johnathan looked at me quite puzzled, “Mommy that doesn’t make sense!” Johnathan you are right, it doesn’t make sense at all! How did that happen? We spent about fifteen or twenty minutes going back and forth about ways that they could break the pieces up so itty-bitty tiny and maybe that would fill 12 baskets. No matter how many ways we tried to wrap our heads around it, it just doesn’t make sense. “That isn’t good math” Johnathan said. This was such an awesome lesson in teaching them that when we give Jesus all that we have, He gives us so much more back in return. It didn’t make sense to the disciples either…..but they obeyed anyway. Not only did Jesus make sure all the people were fed, but there was extra to spare! This is what we call a miracle – a surprising and welcome event that is not explicable by natural or scientific laws and is therefore considered to be the work of a divine agency (aka GOD).
As we worked on our little ornament for the day we talked about other miracles that have happened in the world and in our lives. Like that one time that mommy got a whole nights uninterrupted sleep….miracle. When Johnathan was in mommy’s tummy and was instantly healed from Vesa Privea which doctors said would not correct itself…….miracle. The list could keep going on and on. Today I got to witness my boys realize what a miracle is. Seeing that awe and amazement in their eyes reminds me of how quickly we as grown ups can take for granted what a miracle our life is. Today I pray that each person reading this will have a renewed and revitalized awe for the greatness and grace of our God!
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