Some months back I was in a youth group session in our church. We were looking at the story of the ‘Feeding of the 5,000’ where Jesus asked His disciples to try and find some food to feed thousands upon thousands of people. All the disciples could do was rustle up 5 loaves and 2 fishes, but that’s enough for Jesus – because He is God become human – and before you know the food is multiplied, everyone is well-fed and there’s even much to spare.
As we reflected on the story, one of the young people asked…
“If Jesus is God, why didn’t He just do the miracle himself without the disciples? Why did he ask them to find some food rather than just ‘miracle up’ the food himself?”
It’s a great question.
With a breathtaking answer.
God loves to work with us and through us. He chooses partnership!
In my last two monthly emails I’ve been asking the question – ‘Where is God in this moment?’ – and one of the most incredible answers to that question is that God is with us in the world through what He does through us the world.
Whenever there is a kindness breaking out – it’s a sign that God is with us – because God is kind.
Whenever someone comforts another who’s in pain and weeps with them – it’s a sign that God is with us – because God is a God of comfort, who weeps with those who weep.
Whenever someone forgives another who has hurt them and refuses revenge – it’s a sign that God is with us – because God forgives.
Whenever someone is healed – through medical intervention or otherwise – it’s a sign that God is with us – because God restores and heals.
Whenever justice prevails or generosity breaks out – it’s a sign that God is with us – because God is full of generosity and justice.
Wherever we see good news breaking out – it’s a sign that God is with us – because God is good news in a bad news world.
Whether we believe in God or not – we can ALL be involved in the works of God – because God wants to see more of Heaven break out in the world – and when it does – it’s a sign that God is with us.
The Bible never really tries to answer the question – “Is God with us?”. It takes it as a given that God is there.
The question the Bible poses is not “Is God with us?” but rather ‘Will we choose to be with God – and join Him in what He’s doing in the world?”
Every act of loving goodness matters.
Even giving someone a cup of water.
That’s why the Apostle Paul calls the Church – The Body of Christ! We are the hands of Jesus, doing what Jesus would do, if He was living in our bodies (which He is – through the Holy Spirit).
Through our loving words and actions – let’s show the world that God is present in the joys and pains of life.
What little steps could you take to keep growing and going in this?
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