The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. ²⁵ And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. -Acts 17:24-25/NIV

Continuing with the story of the five loaves and two fish, I find it interesting that Christ always went with God’s ideas and never seems to offer new ideas of his own for God’s consideration.

I don’t want to be ungrateful for God’s blessing of personal advancement and self-improvement. For surely as God is creator, He gives us ideas in which to do life. But His ideas are highest and worthy of obedience.

Christ showed us a generous and loving Heavenly Father, the One who created the crowd who at that moment were tired and hungry. Jesus was in tune with the crowd. He multiplied the small amount of food provided. It was a familiar diet, simple and nutritious enough to energize their minds for Christ’s teachings, and fueled their bodies to travel home safely. He showed what it means for God to provide daily food, and that humans live by spiritual teachings as well as the tangible gifts of food, clothing and shelter. ¹

It is the thing of magicians to make something appear out of nothing for their own glory. I may be mistaken, but it seems that God never uses this device. He seems to always use something He originally created — a visible object — to produce something more glorious for Himself and of use, delight and service for humanity.  I see in Scripture that “God…made the world and everything in it…” ² God made the world, called it good, and I believe He knows how to best use His creation for His own glory. ³

It is I who must listen more closely, but I know my results fall so short. Yet, that distance between ideal and real simply proves why God Is and I am not God; it’s an opportunity to be stretched by His great love and guidance. When I do, I am amazed at His love for me more than the work of my hands. And if I allow that love to flow through to others instead of holding it to myself, then God wins in my moment. It’s all about Him. I get to be amazed at what I have witnessed Him do one more time, which multiplies His love in me.

Amazing!

¹ Matthew 6:11 & Matthew 4:4

² Acts 17:24 (NKJV)

³ Genesis 1