Hi
Today is human rights day. Do you know your basic human rights? The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has 30 articles. God also has some very clear ideas on our human rights too. They’re lodged in our personal relationships with God. Consider also the wider context of today’s Holy Nougat
“A huge crowd kept following him wherever he went, because they saw his miraculous signs as he healed the sick. … Jesus soon saw a huge crowd of people coming to look for him. Turning to Philip, he asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” … Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted.”
John 6:2, 5, 11 NLT
Although this version of the feeding miracle does not mention Jesus’ compassion in literal terms; there is no doubt that Jesus was concerned about the crowd’s welfare. In fact, unlike many of us in ministry or artistes; there was no charge, no love offering or unexplained costs outside of the boy’s food that is mentioned.
Instead we find JESUS is administering the giving! Jesus knew the true state of affairs in the crowd. It is possible that they had zero access to food from their resources.
Food security is a serious concern for many people. One that has health, social and justice implications globally. For, in the words of the reggae icon Bob Marley, “A hungry man is a angry man!” Jesus understood that principle. And He certainly realized that attention spans are affected by hunger. He then TAUGHT the disciples about what matters most – the needs of the people.
Instead of just stopping, commandeering the boy’s lunch and feeding the multitude; instead of simply raining manna down; Jesus engaged the disciples and worked with them as He met the basic need. For everyone has the right to food.
As we move closer to the celebration of Christ’s birth – the fact, not the date – is it at all feasible that we might give the gift of helping someone who is in need?
Selah
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
