Friday, January 9 Where will we buy bread for these people to eat?​—John 6:5.

[Anniebea]

 

Friday, January 9

Where will we buy bread for these people to eat?—John 6:5.

 

Bread was a staple for many in Bible times. (Gen. 14:18; Luke 4:4) In fact, it was so important that the Bible sometimes uses “bread” to mean food in general. (Matt. 6:11; Acts 20:7, study note) Bread was also a central feature in two of Jesus’ well-known miracles. (Matt. 16:9, 10) We find one of those accounts in John chapter 6. After Jesus’ apostles had finished a preaching tour, Jesus took them along by boat across the Sea of Galilee so that they could rest. (Mark 6:7, 30-32;Luke 9:10) They came to an isolated spot in the area of Bethsaida. Soon, though, thousands of people arrived and crowded around. Jesus did not ignore them. He kindly took time to teach them about the Kingdom and to cure the sick. As it was getting late, the disciples wondered how all those people could get something to eat. Some of them perhaps had limited provisions, but most would need to go into the villages and buy food.—Matt. 14:15. w24.12 2 ¶1-2

 

[dljbsp]

The apostles sat down to eat that day with no idea what Jehovah was about to do.

They followed Jesus’ instructions, even though the situation did not make sense.
Only afterward did they see how Jehovah blessed the experience. - John 6:5–13

 

That pattern shows up again and again in the Bible.

Jehovah often asks His servants to move first.
Understanding comes later.

 

When Israel needed to cross the Jordan River, it was at flood stage.
The priests were told to step into the rushing water while carrying the Ark.
The river did not stop before they moved.
It stopped only after their feet were in the water. - Joshua 3:13, 15–17

 

Jehovah could have parted the river first.
But He didn’t.

He waited for obedience.

 

Sometimes serving Jehovah means taking steps without seeing the outcome.

We may want answers before we move.
Jehovah often gives answers after.

 

Today, the organization sometimes reorganizes congregations.
Kingdom Halls are used more fully.
Some are asked to travel farther or adjust long-standing routines.

 

That can feel unsettling.
It is easy to list reasons why the change feels hard.
Yet we have been prepared for moments like this.

 

We have been told to trust direction even when we do not understand it.
And to watch how Jehovah blesses obedience. - Hebrews 13:17

 

My wife and I are experiencing this right now.
After sixteen years, we will be part of a different congregation.

We are grateful for the blessings we received where we were.

 

We are also a little anxious.
That is honest. Isaiah 41:10

 

But we know something else too.
If we never step forward, we will never see what Jehovah has prepared.

Blessings often appear only after we are willing to move.

 

Sometimes faith means getting our feet wet first.

Only then does the way open.

 

Edited 19 hours ago by dljbsp

[Watching and Waiting]

(Joh 6:11) Jesus took the bread, and after giving thanks, he distributed it to those who were sitting there; he did likewise with the small fish, and they had as much as they wanted.

 

If the fine wine Jesus provided was any indication, no doubt this was fine quality, as Jesus provided the best. Of course the spiritual food was by far the most valuable thing he imparted that day—oh, to have been there for both.