Look Around…..

Sometimes we find that situations in the Bible, are so very challenging to us. We wonder why should we try to be perfect Mth 5:48 when we can’t. Why should we try to be holy Lev 19: 2, when we can’t? Why should we try to be merciful, Lk 6: 36, when it’s such a struggle to help others when we need help ourselves. I am in total agreement, that we should - but it is painful struggle, a painful battle with our nature and character, to be something we just can’t quite seem to be; or make. Yet, it does not take away from the heart of the issue; we must make supreme efforts in each of these characteristics; we must strive to better ourselves. It is a long hard fight; within ourselves. Jesus made a sermon to many people. He was concerned of their food. Jesus told the disciples Mark 6: 37 - you feed them. Then the disciples replied - that is 8 months wages!! It is impossible; it cannot be. We are confronted in life in many situations that seem impossible for us - and also in relation to provision. Jesus simply asked them Mk 6:38 - go and look for the resources you have... and with the resources you have, you meet that urgent need now. Well might we say that we are not Jesus, and we can’t call on some miraculous power to convert what we have, to what we need to fill that specific need right now. Yet, this is the very essence of faith, to fill the need before us, and trust the LORD that the need we were originally preparing for, will also be supplied, but that the most urgent need right now must be provided for. This is what strong Christians do; they use what they have, for a specific need, fill it now, and the original need will somehow have to be met. Most cannot, nay-will not think like this. And they will never grow spiritually, as they look at what they have, and not what can be provided for. It is not easy. It is a battle. But true compassion is making sure the urgent need is met. Stress may well come later - but that need will also be met. This is our struggle. Always. We save something, set aside an amount, and then a crisis or emergency comes. And we always find the means, to look for funds to meet an emergency we want to meet. But to meet a stranger’s emergency need, is sadly where we fail and lack. Jesus was concerned on an urgent need. He said “go look for what you have to fill the need”. And the need was met. I can’t think how long, how many years, my expenses are far higher than my income; but needs are met. I still survive; slim down a bit, but survived. Look around you. Fill a need. Yours will be met Phil 4:19 and Mth 6:33. Got a bit stashed away? An urgent need of someone arises? Pro 3: 27. Maybe just hundreds of coins? They mount up. Fill a need when you can. That allows God to meet your need also.

MCC Admin

21 Cheshvan 5781