Some devotional observations from Matthew 14-16

Every once in a while, I post some devotional observations. I have a pattern of daily digging into the Word through a  devotional reading plan that our church works through together. Here are some things that I meditated on from Matthew 14-16 yesterday:

1. Jesus withdrew—a lot! He got away and prayed. Often when He was alone, people found Him and He ministered to them anyways, but He always made sure to spend time alone with the Father, and sometimes His team. I think that gave Him the energy to do what He did.

I think I’ve gotten it backwards sometimes: I minister hard and then try to find time to withdraw to be with God and recover. I’ve learned over the last few years (and I’m still learning) that withdrawing regularly first gives me the life I need to pour out to the people I’m called to serve.

2. In the story where Jesus walks on the water, the disciples didn’t recognize Him. Jesus tells them it is Him, but they are still not sure—except Peter has the boldness to say, “Lord, if it’s really You tell me to come to You on the water…and Jesus said, Come!”

I feel like Jesus has been walking around a particular patch of rough water in my life lately, and I’ve asked Him to call me out—I’m waiting for the word, and as soon as I hear Him speak I’m committed to step into the raging waters (what an adventure!). This was an encouraging reminder for me that He is in charge of the wind and waves, the calling, the miracle…all of it!

3. Religious Pharisees were often really offended at Jesus. It always amazes me how much religious folks just didn’t like what He was all about. I wonder if prideful, super-legalistic, ultra-religious people feel that way about me? I wonder if they should?

4. Feeding the 5,000: The disciples give him some food; He blesses it and gives it back to them; they distribute it to many more people than they ever could have on their own.

That’s how I feel when I’m ministering (for me many times it’s preaching). I start with relatively little compared to the need—as I prepare, I give what I have to Jesus—He does something amazing and miraculous with it, and when He gives it back through me a whole lot more people are blessed than would be possible if it were just me.

I sure don’t deserve it. I’m always humbled by the miracle grace of God to regularly work through me to bring life and freedom to others. But I’ve learned to serve and lead confidently dependent on His grace, and I will keep walking deeper into that pattern for the rest of my life.