Matthew 15:32

New International Version (NIV)

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.”

For meditation

Three days with Jesus – that’s how long they stayed with Him on the mountain side overlooking the Sea of Galilee. It was a great crowd that gathered from everywhere in the region. They brought their sick and disabled, and experienced the Master’s healing power; and they praised “the God of Israel”(Matt. 15:31). They were so overwhelmed by His teaching and healing that time and food did not matter to them; but now it was time to go home and they needed food for the journey

Have you been caught up in something that made you oblivious of time and the reality that awaited you? You may not have known or thought about the situation beyond your experience, but it was real, nasty, mean, and perhaps, even life threatening. Thankfully, there is someone who knows it all and cares enough to take care of everything. He sees the future and makes provision for our needs. His name is Jehovah Jireh – God our Provider.

“I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way,” Jesus said (Matt. 15:32).

These are life-giving words that only the Lord of life can utter. They’re filled with grace and truth (Jn. 1:14), and only the dedicated and patient disciple can enjoy them.

Jesus seated the crowd, took the seven loaves of bread and the few small fish, gave thanks, broke them, and fed four thousand men, besides women and children (35-38). Now, tell me you can’t hear the joyful singing of the crowd as the made their way back home, and I will tell you to ask Jesus for a new pair of sanctified ears.

1. Why do we get so preoccupied with many things that we can’t spend enough time in God’s presence?
2. How is it that we can get lost in entertainment and sports without keeping time, but we can’t do the same in God’s presence?
3. Is Jesus that boring?
4. Is the Word of God devoid of power to enthrall our hearts and sustain our delight in Him?
5. Could it rather be a case of unfamiliarity with Jesus and of priorities?

I pray we always remember that the best and secure place to be at any time is in the presence of Jesus (Ps. 91:1-2).

So: May you bring all your cares and concerns to Jesus; and may you enjoy the blessedness of His Presence.

Shalom