Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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The stewardship of wealth
Mathew. 15.32-39

And the disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in such a desolate place to feed so great a crowd?”

              The feeding of the four thousand in this passage is indeed a separate miracle, distinct from the feeding of the five thousand (Mat:14: 13-21). Here Jesus is primarily talking to the Gentiles. We also see that they were with Jesus for three days and they must have run out of their food supplies so Jesus had compassion on them.
Do we have Compassion like Jesus had?
God is a God of all people and He is reaching out to all. His miracles were not for his own glorification, but out of compassion for the sufferings of the people. Jesus reached out to the needy wherever they were. He helped those who were the marginalized and the outcasts. He cared about their everyday needs and he was filled with compassion. Do we have the same type of compassion like Jesus had, to our fellow brothers and sisters who are in need?
Are we too soon to forget what God has done for us so far?
The disciples were confused, unsure and uncertain when they felt helpless finding food for the crowd. They were actually with Jesus when he had performed other miracles and had fed over 5000 men previously. They forgot that it was the very Son of God who was with them. As Jesus’ disciples, we should not forget that Jesus is able to meet all our needs and is able to give above and beyond what we can imagine. Are we soon to forget what God has done for us?
Are we willing to bring our possessions to Jesus?
His disciples found 7 loaves of bread and a few small fish and the person who had them was willing to share it with others. He was not self-centered and had the mind to give it to others as a blessing. We too should offer what little we have to strengthen God’s kingdom. Whatever we have is all God’s gift. The Bible says it is not money but “the love of money” that “ is the root of all kinds of evil” (1st Timothy6:10). We are only stewards of God given talents, time and treasures and if we share these, God will multiply them and bless others through us. Are we willing to bring our possessions to Jesus?
Jesus was able to provide seven basketfuls of left-overs which shows that God is able to provide us with an over abundance. Do you have the complete confidence that “nothing is impossible with God?” What talent, gift or material blessing do you have to give to the Lord? Have you asked God to bless it, no matter how small that is? Are you willing for God to use it as a blessing for others? Are you willing to trust everything to God, “to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share” (Ist Timothy 6:18b).

Prayer: O Lord, Help us, in sharing our possessions with the less fortunate around us so that we can be blessings for others. Amen
Thought for the Day: God is asking each of us “How many loaves do you have?” Are we willing to give all our talents, time and treasures for Jesus ?

Alex T. Thomas, M.D., New Jersey Mar Thoma Church, Randolph, N.J.







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