John 6:1-15: Do you ever just not get it? People can be saying something to you and you hear one thing, but they have entirely different thoughts and motives. John 6 records the story of Jesus feeding 5000 people. The story begins by telling us that the people had been listening to Jesus teach all day and it had gotten late in the day and they needed something to eat. The disciples said, “we don’t have enough food or money to feed so many people.” Almost as an aside one of the disciples volunteered one child’s lunch of a couple of pieces of fish and a few loaves of bread. I am sure he was thinking this is enough for me but no way for this many people. The passage tells us that Jesus was testing them. He knew all along what He planned to do, but almost to bring attention to the fact that there was no other option we are told that there was no food for so many. The disciples did not get it that Jesus was about to do something that would blow their minds. He prayed and then began to break the bread and fish. It just kept going and going until everyone had something to eat and then there were 12 baskets of left overs. Everyone was so blown away that immediately they wanted to make Jesus their king. He perceived this and withdrew from them. They too did not get it. He had not come to be an earthly king that would provide food like he had done that day. He came to bring them something eternal and lasting. His Kingdom was one they could not see with their eyes, but as they trusted Him they would know it with their hearts. Then their spiritual eyes would be open.
I know there are many times I just don’t get it. I too long for my belly to be filled and for life to be down the straight and flat course where the up hill battles are few. That isn’t how God usually plans it though. He puts hills and valleys, pot wholes and bumpy terrain in our paths to test us and give us opportunity to trust Him more. So if you are struggling with a harder path right now, hold on. You may not be getting all God is saying and doing, but you can trust Him. If He had compassion on 5000 people and provided a miracle for them, He was come through for you too. It may not always be the way you desire it, but He loves you and is for your good. Hold on sweet one. Hold on.