By Rev. Tammy Franklin
Patrick Ecumenical Parrish
Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3
In the ninth chapter of Luke, we read about Jesus calling twelve men to be his disciples. He gave them power and authority to drive out demons, cure diseases, preach the Kingdom of God and heal the sick. So equipped, they journeyed from village to village preaching the Good News and healing people everywhere. With such experience under their belts, they gathered to Jesus and shared their first outreach and mission trip stories. Jesus knew they needed some “small group time” so he took them to an out-of-the-way spot in Bethsaida, however, the crowds followed them. Feeling compassion for the people Jesus welcomed them, preached the Good News to them, and healed those who sought a cure for their illness. This took a long while and the disciples knew the people would need food and lodging. Because their location was remote it would take a great deal of time for such a large crowd to find accommodations. There being no McDonalds or Red Roof Inns in the immediate vicinity the twelve men reminded Jesus of the crowd’s needs. His solution was unexpected and seemed to the disciples quite impossible. Yet when read with the first eight verses of chapter nine Jesus’ response makes perfect sense, “You feed them.” The Twelve replied, “We only have…” After casting out demons and healing the sick, how could they doubt their ability to feed the masses through the authority given them by God’s Son? Well, we would probably have reacted with the same limited vision, we would more than likely lack faith despite the wondrous work God had already accomplished through us too. You see this is a story about you and me, indeed all followers of Jesus. Even when we have experienced the power of God’s Holy Spirit and accomplished something, we would never have believed possible, we often back off when it is over. It is like we forget the power source is unlimited or we believe we are only given one opportunity to use this holy power, or maybe we are frightened by what has happened. Rested assured there is no reason to be intimidated, God’s holy power is inexhaustible and there are no restrictions to what we can achieve if God calls us to a task as long as you and I depend on Jesus’ authority and infinite strength we can undertake whatever God appoints to us!
Prayer
Dear Jesus, you are the miracle worker and even though scripture tells me of your astounding deeds I still try to put you in a box when I try to define what you can and cannot do through me. Even as I share my requests with you or pray that you use me in your continuing ministries my faith is less than complete. Jesus help me not to be afraid of your Holy Spirit’s power, instead teach me how to claim it and use it to your honor and glory. When I think you have called me to the impossible and I begin to make excuses or backpedal remind me of the loaves and fish miracle then grant me the faith to respond to your instructions. Take all my gifts, my abilities, break them open and multiply them for work in God’s kingdom and the praise and glory be given to you my heavenly Father and to Jesus Lord and Savior, In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
