We’d like to think that if we were one of Jesus’ disciples, we would get it. We would be quicker to understand Christ’s mission and who He is. But in the end, we probably wouldn’t.
Mark chapter eight begins with a reprise of an earlier miracle. “In those days there was again a large crowd, and they had nothing to eat. He called the disciples and said to them, “I have compassion on the crowd, because they’ve already stayed with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, and some of them have come a long distance.” His disciples answered him, “Where can anyone get enough bread here in this desolate place to feed these people?” “How many loaves do you have?” he asked them. “Seven,” they said. He commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground. Taking the seven loaves, he gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people. So they served them to the crowd. They also had a few small fish, and after he had blessed them, he said these were to be served as well. They ate and were satisfied. Then they collected seven large baskets of leftover pieces. About four thousand were there. He dismissed them. And he immediately got into the boat with his disciples and went to the district of Dalmanutha.” (Mark 8:1–10, CSB)
Let’s see. We have a large, hungry crowd. What should we do? How are we going to feed them all? At this point, I want to break into the narrative and suggest, “You could do that thing with the bread and fish like you did with that other crowd.” Nope, the disciples lean back on the impossibility of a physical, practical answer to Jesus’ concern.
See what I mean, we’d like to think that we would get it. But we don’t. How many times have we forgotten the prayers God has answered? How many times have the convictions of a moment been buried under the weeds of life? We all do this. We all see God move, perhaps have a mountaintop experience with Him, that fades with time and the shadows of the valley.
How can we do better? The Psalmist has a suggestion. “My soul, bless the Lord, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. My soul, bless the Lord, and do not forget all his benefits. He forgives all your iniquity; he heals all your diseases. He redeems your life from the Pit; he crowns you with faithful love and compassion. He satisfies you with good things; your youth is renewed like the eagle.” (Psalm 103:1–5, CSB)
Why do we doubt that God will answer our struggles, needs, and concerns today? Because we forget what He has already done. The Psalmist’s answer is to recount and remember those things. The forgiveness He has provided. The provision of days past, either through our labor or given by another. The blessing of “it could have been worse” when the car breaks down in the driveway instead of miles from home. The answers to anxious prayers for healing, guidance, provision, peace, love, children, and much more. Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and do not forget any of His benefits.
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