Today's Lectionary TextMatthew 14:14-16When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them and cured their sick. When it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now late; send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” Jesus said to them, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” Today's Devotional
Children’s stories have a way of cutting to the chase. It seems short attention spans need stories which are direct and memorable. Yet, children’s stories are not just for children. As I grow up and older, it seems I get more out of the stories than the kiddos do. One such story is “Stone Soup” by Marcia Brown. It tells the story of hungry soldiers and an unsure town.
The soldiers are walking home and stop in the town to eat and sleep. The townspeople are not comfortable sharing the little food they have with the soldiers. Instead of getting upset with the people, the soldiers start to boil water with a stone in it and mention to those listening how much better the soup would be with a few vegetables. When those are added to the soup, the soldiers mention how a bit of meat would set off the soup and meat is added. Finally, the men mention how bread would absolutely be amazing and bread is provided. A wonderful meal is shared in the town and the soldiers rest the night and continue home. With any good tale there are many takeaways, but one will do here. Christ-followers are sometimes unsure about sharing whatever they have with the ones around them. Perhaps they think they do not have enough for themselves and their own. Perhaps they are concerned they won’t be able to continue to support the ones around them. Perhaps they feel their things are not good enough for anyone else. In our verses for today it seems Jesus asks us to share whatever we have, however much it is, with another. If we have caviar, let us share it. If we have beans and cornbread with no cornbread, let us share it. If we have time and energy, skills, or a listening ear, let us share whatever we have with the Lord Jesus and see what He will do with it. I am hungry … let’s have some soup! Prayer for ReflectionAbba Father, I don’t have much and it doesn’t seem to be anything anyone else would want. But I am giving it to You and trust You will accept it and share it with whomever. I love you. Amen.
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