This story is found in Mark 6:32-44, Luke 9:10-17, and John 6:1-13.
This morning we continue our series entitled, “The Year of Supernatural Manifestation”, with our mini-series on “The Miracles of Jesus”. I introduced you to the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 yesterday. Let’s go back to the story today.
Jesus and His disciples sat down on a hillside and watched as a huge crowd approached them. Jesus said to Philip, “Where can we buy enough bread for all these people to eat?” He asked Philip this question to test him. Jesus already knew what he planned to do. Phillip was very analytical, so he quickly did the math and answered, “Jesus, 8 months’ wages would only buy enough bread for each person to have a little piece!” This is when Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, spoke up. Andrew said, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus knew He could work with the little boy’s lunch.
Jesus said, “Tell everyone to sit in groups on the grass.” The people sat down in groups and each group had 50-100 people in it. Jesus then took the loaves of bread and gave thanks to the Father. He then gave the bread to His disciples and they distributed it. The bread multiplied in their hands. Jesus did the same with the fish. He gave thanks first, and He then gave the fish to the disciples and it multiplied in their hands as they were giving it out.
In the end, everyone ate as much as they wanted. Afterwards Jesus said,“Gather the pieces of fish and bread that were not eaten. Don’t waste anything.” So, they gathered up the pieces that were left. When the people started eating there were five loaves of barley bread and two fish. After everyone ate, there were 12 large baskets of food left over.
There is so much in this story, that I have to break it up into several days. Yesterday we focused in on the fact that our God is a God of abundance and overflow. Today I will key in on the fact that our God is a God of order.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things.
- Before Jesus fed 5,000 with a little boy’s lunch, He had the disciples organize the crowd into groups. The miracle did not happen in chaos. The miracle was performed in order and organization. We can learn from this.
- Sometimes we are waiting on God to move supernaturally, but He is actually waiting on us to get organized. People claim they want God’s blessing, but they are not ready to receive.
*** While making this point this morning, I feel strongly that the Holy Spirit wants me to make a point about having what I call multiple “nets”. Many believers claim to expect financial blessings, but they have not created a “net” or vehicle through which to receive the blessing. As I write this, I feel strongly that many of you know you are supposed to start your own business, but you have been procrastinating. The longer you take to establish the business, the longer it will take God to get you what He wants to get you. It’s okay to want God to bless the work of your hands, but you have to give Him something to bless! If this is you, resolve TODAY to file the paperwork to establish your business.
- God was not going to release the miracle of fishes and loaves into an unruly crowd. If He did, the miracle could have turned into a riot; the blessing could have turned into a curse. See, if God releases a blessing to you BEFORE you are capable of properly receiving it, the blessing can actually turn out to be a burden. So, if you claim you are waiting on God, please take self inventory to ensure you are ready for God. You may think you are waiting on God and He may be waiting on you to get ready.
- God does not bless mess! Prepared blessings come to prepared people!
- For this year to be a year of supernatural manifestation, this year must also be a year of divine preparation and organization.
- Make preparations for the blessing you claim to be expecting. Once you are ready, then GET READY, it can happen at any time!
Closing Confession: Father, this is a year of Great Victory for me. This year I will experience supernatural manifestation like never before, because I committed to being led of Your Spirit in all things. I prepare myself for this season. I am quick to do whatever You lead me to do, in order to be ready for what You want to accomplish through me this year. I get organized. I get prepared. I get ready to receive. And once I am ready, I then enter every day with a spirit of expectation, knowing that it can happen at any time! This year shall be the best year of my life! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper.
