Thursday, January 24

THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2019

"Jesus called his disciples to him and said, 'I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.'

"His disciples answered, 'Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?"

"'How many loaves do you have?' Jesus asked.

"'Seven,' they replied, 'and a few small fish.'" (Matthew 15:32-34)

I would like to offer two takeaways from today's readings: that God has blessed us to participate in His Kingdom ministry and that protecting our hearts must remain a key priority.

We see in the history of Jacob's family, particularly in the series of blessings that he shares in today's passage, that every individual has a unique purpose to which God has called us. Sometimes, for security, we might long for the same clear path as another person, wishing secretly that God might change our rockier path. Yet, His individual and personal love for us is one of His hallmarks.

In our ministry gifts Bible study last night, we reviewed the warning of James 4: that we should not boast about our plans, but rather remember to submit to God's will and follow after Him. If we wish to invest in eternity, we may consider where God is working and partner with Him. In the example of feeding the Four Thousand, Jesus's compassion welled up, but He involved the disciples in the great work. Given His power and majesty, Jesus might have brought the miralce out of nothing (ex nihilo). Instead, however, He chose to demonstrate compassion and to expand the disciples' faith.

Turning back to the warning in James 4, we could easily venture through life, dictate our agendas to God, and then seek His blessings afterwards. As a task-oriented person, I often struggle with this attitude. Yet, seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness means setting aside time to hear from Him and to follow Him. Before we may lead others spiritually, we must first be following Christ. We are servants in His Kingdom ministry — not in our (lower-case) kingdom ministry.

And we are immeasurably blessed that the holy, awesome God of the universe would care for us and dignify us with the call to join Him in serving and loving His people!

"Above all else, guard your heart,

    for everything you do flows from it.

Keep your mouth free of perversity;

    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.

Let your eyes look straight ahead;

    fix your gaze directly before you." (Proverbs 4:23-25)

Jesus urges His disciples to avoid the yeast of the Pharisees. While they initially misunderstand, His teaching penetrates into their hearts. We must "guard our heart." Older NIV translations described the heart as the "wellspring of life." That analogy is perfect: a polluted heart will sicken us and those downstream. We bear responsibility for guarding our hearts and our minds, thinking on those concepts that will honor God. (Philippians 4:8,9)

Jesus provides great examples for us who wish to make disciples; He simplifies profound concepts by making them into carry-out sandwiches. We see the whole picture upon first receiving it, but we have the opportunity to break down the message later into many layers. We also can apply the message in multiple venues and reflect on it wherever we go. What sandwiches has God given you so far in 2019?

Lord God, thank You for the tremendous blessing of being called into Your Kingdom ministry. Help us to be sensitive to where You are leading and to partner with You there. Give us opportunities to invest in eternity today and to demonstrate Your love and compassion to those in need of it today. Help us to guard our hearts and minds so that we may give You the best. In Jesus's Name, amen.