“Late in the afternoon the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside and find food and lodging, because we are in a remote place here.” 13 He replied, “You give them something to eat.”
They answered, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go and buy food for all this crowd.” 14 (About five thousand men were there.) But he said to his disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 The disciples did so, and everyone sat down. 16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. 17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” Luke 9:12-17 NIV
Father God,
In these cold wet windy days it is lovely to linger on the outskirts of Bethsaida and sit, metaphorically speaking, with the crowds who were listening to Jesus. We do thank You for those warm days last summer when we could eat in the garden with friends or throw open the windows and doors. Some of the best pleasures cost the least. But, most of us have not had to feed 5,000!
You, Lord through Luke want us to see and understand who Jesus really is. Not just a good man, great teacher, compassionate leader. He is able to do anything. Nothing is impossible. He challenges them to provide food, so there is no doubt, He performs the miracle. When it looks impossible or desperate, and we cannot do – remind us You can.
You, Lord God also wanted the disciples to see where Jesus and therefore Your heart is. He does not take the opportunity to teach more, he does not command everyone to go away and look after themselves. He meets them where they need. He lets them sit, rest and feeds them. He is not in it for fame, riches, an easy life or the accolade. He has compassion on people in need and also was demonstrated how it would be in His coming Kingdom when we will sit down and feast in Heaven.
William Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army said, “You cannot warm the hearts of people with God’s love if they have an empty stomach and cold feet.” A cup of tea and a biscuit for a friend, food for the man outside the supermarket or maybe donations for the Food Bank. Help us to be compassionate here and now.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Father God,
We pray,
For all our family, friends, neighbours, and our church family. For them individually, for their needs to be met, to know they are loved and kept safe in Your care.
For our ministers, pastors and youth workers and all that is done by those belonging to churches to support, help and bless their local communities and support overseas projects.
For our Government, that You would guide and shape it, for the good of the nation. Uproot that which is not good, true and above reproach.
For our King and Queen and his family as they work for the good of our nation.
For Gaza and the Middle East, Lord a miracle of peace.
For Putin and Ukraine. An end to this conflict soon.
For those who in these days just want to be celebrities and those who do not like themselves or do not feel good enough. Help them see Your values and love more precious than fame.
For those who use their position to help charities, missions and start new initiatives.
For ourselves, that we would find joy in helping others, giving to projects that change other peoples lives.
In Jesus name we pray Amen.
Worship Monday 13th November 2023
Wonderful to see all these young worshippers. Wonderful words. Wonderful truth.
How I long to breathe the air of Heaven
Where pain is gone and mercy fills the streets
To look upon the One who bled to save me
And walk with Him for all eternity
There will be a day when all will bow before Him
There will be a day when death will be no more
Standing face to face with He who died and rose again
Holy, holy is the Lord
And every prayer we prayed in desperation
The songs of faith we sang through doubt and fear
In the end, we’ll see that it was worth it
When He returns to wipe away our tears
Oh, there will be a day when all will bow before Him
There will be a day when death will be no more
Standing face to face with He who died and rose again
Holy, holy is the Lord
And on that day, we join the resurrection
And stand beside the heroes of the faith
With one voice, a thousand generations
Sing, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain”
And on that day, we join the resurrection
And stand beside the heroes of the faith
With one voice, a thousand generations
Sing, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain”
“Forever He shall reign”
So let it be today we shout the hymn of Heaven
With angels and the saints, we raise a mighty roar
Glory to our God who gave us life beyond the grave
Holy, holy is the Lord
So let it be today we shout the hymn of Heaven
With angels and the saints, we raise a mighty roar
Glory to our God who gave us life beyond the grave
Holy, holy is the Lord
Holy, holy is the Lord
Holy, holy is the Lord.
Lyrics: Brian Johnson / Phil Wickham / Bill Johnson / Chris Davenport