I had to remind myself this morning to “sit down and give thanks”.
Dave and I began to talk about the last minute things we still need to do today and then that led us into a conversation of the first things we need to do when we get home. Boy, when we opened that gate, the horses (chores) ran wild.
So now, I’m taking a deep breath and giving thanks for the wonderful memories we have of this summer season.
“And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” John 6:10-12
Look at an example of Jesus giving thanks.
Let me set the scene – 5000 hungry men, not to mention their wives and children, are on a hillside listening to Jesus teach. All Jesus has for food is 5 barley loaves and 2 small fish, a lunch meant to meet the needs of a boy.
And now we see Jesus giving thanks.
He is giving thanks for what he knows God is about to do. He is giving thanks for God’s word being true. He is giving thanks for God being faithful and revealing his love to the disciples and this group.
Jesus has been teaching – ask and it shall be given unto to you; take no thought for what you will eat or drink or what you will put on because you’re heavenly Father knows that you have need of these things; whatsoever things you desire when you pray believe you receive them and you shall have them.
This is God’s word and it is true so – GIVE THANKS!
Jesus gave thanks before the miracle occurred and not after He saw it – He had faith. What is your “feeding the 5000” moment? Are you begging God and telling Him how bad things are or a you giving thanks in advance for what you know He has promised to do.
Sit and Give thanks!