Matthew 14 and 15 certainly challenges us to have faith over fear, with the most dramatic part of Peter walking on the water after he saw Jesus being a water-walker.
The underlining faith question is do we believe God's word. This is applicable today as it was 2000 years ago. With that said, I direct your attention to Jesus' answer of what to do about feeding the 5000 ((men) I predict there were about 12,000 to 15,000 people in all, which is easily the size of Vidalia.)
In Matthew 14:16, Jesus tells the disciples, "You feed them." This is a major call to faith. I wonder if they even considered Jesus' response. But there was a dab of consideration.
Matthew 14:17 reads But we have only five loaves of bread and two fish. Hmmm. If the disciples were thinking earthly, this statement would not have been made. I mean, that might feed 5....Nah, not even 5! But 5000?!
Lesson 1; God uses what we have. Matthew 14:18; Jesus says, "Bring them here." He went on to bless the food, feed the 5,000 (or 12,000 to 15,000). There were 12 baskets left over.
So, what little do you have that God can use? That He can multiply? That He can miraclize?
Seven verses later, Matthew 14:25, About 3 AM, Jesus came toward them, walking on the water.
Peter sees the Water-Walker and he wants to become one! (Matt 14:28)
Sure enough in verse 29, Peter walked on the water! Uh oh! Verse 30; But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. "Save me, Lord!" he shouted. Verse 31; Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. "You have so little faith," Jesus said. "Why did you doubt me?"
Lesson 2; Keep our eyes on Jesus and not the strong winds and waves! Have complete faith in Jesus. Wow! Peter is a water-walker! That took a lot of faith! There are just a few times that I have had water-walking faith. But, when I did, there was NO doubting God! What happened to make Peter sink? He allowed himself to become afraid because he trusted the power of the wind and waves more than the power of Jesus? Have you ever done that? You are not alone. However, Jesus calls us to have water-walking faith---trust God more than His creation!!
Chapter 15 reveals a lady of great faith! of persistent faith!
Matthew 15:27; She replied, "That's true Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fell beneath their master's table."
Matthew 15:28; "Dear woman," Jesus said to her, "Your faith is great. Your request is granted." And instantly her daughter was healed.
Lesson 3; Have humble but persistent faith! This woman would not let it go! We should also continue to seek God as she did.
One chapter later from the question of how to feed the 5,000, the disciples are faced with almost the same dilemma.
Matthew 34-38 There are 4,000 (men) to feed. What should they do? They produce seven loaves and a few fish. Jesus blesses the food and feeds them all!
Lesson 4; When Jesus teaches you a lesson, be a learner and faithful follower.
How can I have this water-walking, willing to give what I have, humble and persistent, good-learner and faithful follower...type of faith?!
We must allow God to change our hearts. After Jesus was questioned about His disciples not following the age-old tradition of washing their hands, here are key elements of His response.
Matthew 15:18; These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
Matthew 15:19; Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.
Matthew 15:16; "Don't you understand yet?" Jesus asked. 17. Anything you eat, passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. 18. But the words you speak come from the heart--that's what defiles you. 19. For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. 20. These are what defile you. Eating with unwashed hands will never defile you."
Lesson 5; Obey God over People If you are faced with a conflict of God's command and a person's command, always go with God. No matter the cost! God will provide for you!!
No comments:
Post a Comment