July 5

God's Bountiful Provision

They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. — Matt 14:20 BSB

When God is the Host, there is always enough for everyone! At first, the disciples may have been cautious in distributing the food, but as they saw that each group had plenty, their faith grew, and they began to give more freely. Every person ate their fill of bread and fish, and there was an abundance. God’s provision is as great as the need—no, even greater, for He is able to make all grace overflow toward each person.

But even with this abundant provision, there was careful management of what remained. “Gather up the fragments,” said Jesus (John 6:12). In nature, God does not waste anything. What may seem like refuse is always used in some new way. Even the body, when its work is done, returns to the earth, contributing to future harvests. There is no waste in God’s world. Let there be no waste in our lives!

There are more lessons in this story. All things should be done decently and in order. The crowd was seated in groups of fifty, with no crowding or pushing; the strong had to wait for the weak.

Every meal should begin with thanksgiving. “Looking up to Heaven, He blessed, and broke, and gave to the disciples.” The practice of giving thanks before meals seems to be fading, even in Christian homes, but it is to our loss. “He was made known to them in the breaking of bread” (Luke 24:30-31).

We can expect more than just the basics of life from our generous God, who “gives us richly all things to enjoy.” He provides not only bread, but fish—luxuries as well as necessities. So much of what we enjoy in life—music, art, flowers, sunsets—are not essential, but they are gifts from our Father. “If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.”

Prayer

Teach us, O Lord, to live in such close fellowship with You that every act is a psalm, every meal a sacrament, every room a sanctuary, and every thought a prayer. Amen.