Another Miracle

As I've continued to join others in reading through the Bible chronologically this year, I am now in the gospels.  Being raised in a very godly and Bible focused family, I have been very familiar with the miracles of Jesus.

When reading these passages again, thankfully I took the time to ask God to help me see His word as if it were fresh.  There is always something new we can learn every time we go to God's word.

While reading Mark 6, I was familiar with the great miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000.  As a child I remember coloring and cutting out the fish and loaves as a reminder of what God can do with anything we are willing to give Him.

Though these thoughts came again to my head, I was struck anew with another miracle that I never realized was there.  I had never quite considered the events prior to this feeding of 5 thousand.

I read how John the Baptist was killed.  After Jesus heard the news he told his diciples "Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while."
Not only were they hungry--they were tired.  I pondered the thought of Jesus hearing about his dear cousin dying and the sadness that would have overcome any of us.  Jesus knew that the diciples needed to get away.

That was a reminder to me that there are times where we need rest--as Jesus Himself often went to be alone to pray.

I continued to read how the crowds followed them and went to the other side as the diciples and Jesus had gotten in a boat.  Now here is the miracle.  Remember Jesus had just lost his cousin John and was tired and spent.  Now for the verse--Mark 6:34 "When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things."

I know and agree that feeding 5 thousand from five loaves and two fish is quite amazing and notably miracle worthy.  Yet I could not help but seeing a miracle in how Jesus felt compassion for these people in the midst of His current circumstances.  He cousin had just died!

I just sat and mulled over what a miracle it was for Jesus to love these people so much.  It really spoke to me how Jesus always rightly reacted.  I took some time to evaluate my own life and realized my first reaction when people call me away from my own plan or schedule very rarely is compassion an emotion I am feeling.
And that is on a great day...put in a death in my family...oh woe is me! I am a woman lacking compassion!

I am so thankful for not only the miracle of God's physical provision such as feeding 5,000 people.  I'm also  grateful for the compassion and care He has for our spiritual well being.

The miracle of the feeding of the 5 thousand will continue to be a favorite and much mentioned in Bible retelling.  I think though, that I may begin to add the compassion Jesus had and still has for us. Another miracle worth retelling.