ESOCS Devotional 13 April 2022
TEXT: JOHN 6:1-15
MEMORY VERSE: “When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?” John 6:5
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
In the course of our ministry on earth, we are to know that aside from spiritual assistance in form of prophecy, teachings, and other services we render to people, we have got to also give physical support and material assistance to our followers. In our text today, Jesus fed about five thousand men.
Of a truth, the power of God through the prophets and preachers give lots of spiritual benefits to the congregation. These benefits manifest in healing and several other miracles. This does not stop the Church or its leaders from looking into how members can be helped in meeting up with their basic needs in life. The welfare of the unemployed, indigent, aged, and widows in the congregation should be of great concern to the Church leaders (vs. 1-5).
In catering for the needs of the needy and poor in the Church, every member has got to make contribution of what he can offer. In our text, a lad offered five loaves of bread and two fishes (vs. 6-9).
The power of the Church over gifts gathered to be given to the poor go a long way to bring about satisfaction for the receivers and increase to the givers. In our text, the disciples and the congregation were satisfied with the bread and the giver had twelve basket full leftover of what he gave. This means that when the Lord accepts our offerings and gifts to the poor, we receive far more than we have given (vs. 10-13).
Let us therefore offer what we have to supply the basic needs of the brethren around us.
- What do you have to offer to the needy today?
- Father, give me the spirit to give what I can to help the needs of others. Enable me with sufficient provision, in Jesus Name. Amen.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Isaiah 25:1-9; 2 Kings 4:18-37; Ephesians 2:1-10
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ESOCS Devotional 13 April 2022
