Thursday July 2, 2020

Today’s Reading: Matthew 14:13-21

Then He commanded the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples [gave them] to the crowds. 

Matthew 14:19

Meditation: Jesus’ earthly miracles point us to His heavenly identity. In just one day of ministry, He shows compassion for people by healing multitudes and feeding thousands. These great miracles of physical healing and physical nourishment lead to the greater act of healing and provision that Jesus later provides through His death on the Cross. His sacrifice not only takes away our sin, but grants us eternity with Him in Heaven. It not only fills our emptiness, but is the source of life everlasting.

While everyone He heals that day eventually dies, their experience with Jesus proves His power over death and suffering. While everyone Jesus feeds is hungry the very next day, they have proof of His ability to provide and to truly satisfy. These miracles show His power and authority over all creation. They remind us that He is the answer to our every need. They remind us that He is God. Jesus willingly reveals Who He is because He wants us to believe and trust in Him.

Where do we seek to be healed? While all physical healing eventually gives way to death, Jesus offers life after death. Shouldn’t we, then, look to Him for true healing? Where do we seek to be satisfied? Success and accomplishments, health and wealth, relationships, and even good works leave us empty over time. Only Jesus has the bread we need to experience lasting satisfaction. Shouldn’t we, then, depend on Him for fulfillment?

The miracles of Jesus are truly spectacular, but even more spectacular is what they reveal about Who Jesus is. He is the Eternal God, in Whom we can trust and believe.

Prayer: Lord God, I come to You in awe of Who You are. Thank You for Your miraculous works, especially through Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for eternal life and true satisfaction that I find in Him. Most importantly, thank You for His loving sacrifice on the Cross, which grants me everlasting life. Help me to live today out of thankfulness for what You’ve so generously provided, Lord. In Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN.

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Matthew 14:1-21; Leviticus 20-21; Proverbs 30