THE KING’S BUSINESS
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man loves them too. The vacation was interrupted, but the people were ministered unto. II. The Perplexing Situation, 35-38. 1. The Desert Place, 35 . In any place to undertake to feed 5,000 men, besides women and children, Would be no mean task. Even a well-equipped Chicago caterer would like a day or two’s notice before taking the contract. Was it any wonder a handful of fishermen were perplexed over feeding such a crowd in a desert? 2 . The Evening Time, 35 . Earlier in the day the matter was not so pressing, but as night drew on the gravity o f the situa tion appeared more plainly. The disciples spoke o f the matter- in good season, while it was' still daylight and time left to do something. Showed their forethought. 3 . The Scanty Means, 38 . All the dis ciples could find was the five loaves and two fishes, and even these belonged to a little boy who probably needed them him self (John 6:9 ). 4 . The Two Suggestions, 36 , 37 . The disciples said, “ Send them away.” And it really was kind when the situation is faced from their viewpoint. But their viewpoint was unfortunately not the best or the right one. They were limited to natural means. And yet they had been keeping company with Jesus quite a long time. They had seen sicknesses healed, demons driven out,, dead raised, sea calmed, but this was a new situation. They were almost as dull—spir itually, as we are. Jesus said, “ Give ye them to eat.” A good deal simpler than the disciples’ plans. Human-like, when Jesus suggested they do something to better conditions, the first thing that occurred to them was “the prac
tical difficulty.” They overlooked Jesus Himself. So should you and I, in all prob ability. But He had not Overlooked them. He was counting on their co-operation. III. The Suitable Provision, 39-44. 1 . The Orderly Arrangement, 39 , 40 . It made them all comfortable, prevented con fusion, facilitated service, insured satisfy ing every one’s need. And the orderliness did not hinder the Spirit o f God one bit. (1 Cor. 14:40). Jesus knew how to handle a crowd. 2 . The Material in Hand, 4 1 . He did not despise its meagerness. He used it as the nucleus o f that He was about to produce. What it was determined what the whole should be. From loaves and fishes He did not provide meats and wines. What He did was supernatural, but not unnatural. 3 . The Blessing Bestowed, 4 1 . He blessed it Himself, but He associated God with Himself,- by that upward look. Do we ask God’s blessing on our meal? 4 . The Abundant Supply, 4 1 - 44 . From Him. to the disciples and thence, to the multitude, and somewhere en route the multiplying took place. There was not only “ a little” (John 6:8) for each, but every one ate till he was filled. Jesus never only half satisfies a man. There was even more than enough—twelve basketsful o f the broken pieces remained over. Jesus, always has something o f blessing left over. Our needs are never so great as His supply. Was anyone that day foolish enough to go hungry when abundance was to be had ,fo r the receiving? But thousands are starv ing in Chicago in reach o f God’s provision, which is just as free. Have you received Jesus, the Bread o f Life?
HEART OF THE LESSON By T. C. Horton.
I T is not strange the multitudes moved the Master. He saw not only the num bers but He saw their hearts. He knew the hunger that was there. He took charge o f the opportunity' to minister the bread
o f life. He sought rest, but there could be no rest where there was so much o f need. There is an appeal in crowds of people, when we are able to see them through the eyes o f our Lord; when we
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