Miracle on the Mountain

A long time ago, a miraculous event happened on the heels of tragedy.

John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, was murdered. Jesus departed on a boat across the Sea of Galilee with his disciples to get alone and rest. But as it happened, people followed Jesus. He had healed many sick and people still wanted his help.

When the boat approached land, Jesus saw thousands of people lining the shores waiting for him. Jesus looked at the people and instead of getting frustrated, the Bible says He had compassion on them because they were like "sheep without a shepherd."

Jesus went up the desert mountain and began to teach people many things about God's Kingdom. He also healed their sick. By the end of the evening, people were hungry. In fact Jesus and the disciples hadn't had anything to eat either.

A young boy offered Jesus two small fish and five tiny loaves of barley bread. Barley was commonly used by the poor to make their bread. This boy who had so little to give, gave his all. Jesus prayed to His Heavenly Father, blessed the food and broke it, giving it to his disciples to give to the people to eat.

Through an unselfish act of giving by a young boy and the power of Almighty God, five thousand hungry men plus women and children were fed on a mountaintop - a miracle indeed, provided by a miraculous God. In fact, there were even leftovers, twelve baskets full!

I was reminded of the truth of this Biblical event while preparing to teach it to young children at our church this past Sunday. When we feel tired and discouraged, let's focus on what Jesus did after facing great tragedy. Even though he needed rest, he reached out in compassion to people and did not turn them away.

Oh how often I'd rather curl up in a warm blanket and shut out the world in times of discouragement or sadness, but that's not what Jesus did. Certainly we need to rest and recharge, but sometimes we're asked to stretch beyond our earthly abilities and serve through God's strength. And maybe, just maybe we'll be part of a blessed miracle that God wants to perform.

Lord, help us to be willing to help a lost and dying world in need of a Savior. May we shine the light of Jesus in our words and actions. May we be a beacon of hope and help to our communities and beyond.

In Christ's name I pray, Amen.

"With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." Mark 10:27