If you grew up in Sunday school, you’ve probably heard the story of how Jesus fed the five thousand with a little boy’s five loaves of bread and two tiny fish. But if you look beyond the miracle, you see a precious story of Jesus and His people.
“One of the disciples said, ‘There’s a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that’s a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this.’ Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ There was a nice carpet of green grass in this place. They sat down, about five thousand of them. Then Jesus took the bread and, having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish. All ate as much as they wanted.” (John 6:8-11 MSG)
Beyond the miracle, we hear Jesus’ request for the crowd to sit down. How hard is sitting down for you? It’s OK, you can admit it — it’s hard, right?
We are a fast-paced society. We eat on the run. Actually, we’ve gotten good at doing most everything on the run. But notice, Jesus didn’t feed these people on the run. Jesus wasn’t concerned about how fast they got to where they were going. He simply said, “Make the people sit down.” He didn’t say, “Ask them if they want to grab a snack to go.” He said, “Sit down.”
Jesus only distributed nourishment to those who were seated. He made sure they had as much as they needed. Maybe He had them sit so they’d remember the miracle. Or maybe He had them sit so they could rest in His presence and be satisfied for the rest of the trip. The same is true for us. Jesus beckons us to come and sit because He wants to fill us to overflowing.
God wants you humble, sitting at the feet of His Son. Feasting on His Word to fill you with His peace and presence. You can’t be humble by eating on the go. Likewise, feasting is not eating His Word once a week. No, it’s about devouring His truths everyday.
It is only by sitting down and feasting on the Bread of Life, God’s Word, that Jesus can satisfy you.
Are you lonely? Come and sit.
Are you looking for direction? Come and sit.
Are you hurried, frazzled, or too busy? Come and sit.
Are you questioning and doubting? Come and sit.
If you sit feasting on the Bread of Life long enough, your burdens, fears, and anxieties will be lifted. Jesus will satisfy you with His goodness, rest, peace, and grace.
Oh friend, today is the day to sit down and be filled!
You can read more on this subject in Alene’s book I’m a Fixer Upper.
Beautifully said!
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Thank you this beautiful Monday morning!
Posiltively Alene recently posted..looking out and looking in.
Amen! Beautifully said Alene!
Charina @ Pondered Thoughts recently posted..{lent reflections}
Oh how often we’re called to “unplug” but fail to obey the call. Then when we begin to get worn down, attacked, or discouraged we wonder why. Typically it’s then, after all our efforts are exhausted that we sit down and unplug as we were originally called. What a great reminder to just sit and unplug to avoid being depleted.
Amy McCollister recently posted..Counting Gifts Changes Life…
Great reminder, “Jesus beckons us to come and sit because He wants to fill us to overflowing.” and such a timely subject as we rush into the Easter season and spring when I’m tempted to hustle and bustle everywhere getting “much” done, forgetting to rest my soul!
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