Chaplains Message

John 6:4-14 “Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.  Lifting up His eyes and seeing that a large crowd was gathering, Jesus said to Phillip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?’ He said this to test him, for Jesus Himself knew what He would do.  Phillip answered Him, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.’  One of His disciples said to Him, ‘there is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’.  Jesus then took the loaves and fish, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated.  And when they had eaten their fill, He told His disciples, ‘Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.’  So, they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets.”

The story is told of a starving man who comes to a village, but no one can spare him any food.  He puts a stone in a pot of water over a fire.  Intrigued, the villagers watch him as he begins to stir the ‘soup’.  Eventually one brings a couple of potatoes to add to the mix; another has a few carrots.  One person adds an onion, another a handful of barley. A farmer gives him some milk, and now, the stone soup becomes tasty chowder.  Yes, it’s a story about sharing, but also a reminder to bring what we have, even if it seems to be insignificant. Jesus took the boy’s sparse lunch of five loaves and two fish and multiplied it far beyond anyone’s expectations or imagination.

It has been said, ‘You don’t have to feed the five thousand, you just have to bring your loaves and fishes.’  He’ll accept our surrendered efforts, talents, and service.  He just wants us to be willing to bring what we have to him.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being such a loving God who just wants us to love Him and share our lives with Him.  Lord, please bless us and our families, and keep us safe.  May we give back to you that you have blessed us with, so that you can give the increase.  In Jesus Name.  amen.

Chaplain Ron