The Lord Provides

God watches out for those who follow Him. Proof of this is found all throughout the Bible, but some very interesting proof is found in John 6 when Jesus feeds the five thousand. Jesus and His apostles gather the crowds together for whom Jesus has compassion, and they want to feed them but find out that all they have is five loaves of bread and two fish. Now remember: this is unleavened bread (more like a pancake), which makes it even harder to feed these five thousand men plus their wives and children! Jesus tests Philip at this point, asking him in verse 5, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” Of course Jesus knew what was going to happen. He knew from the beginning of eternity! I believe He tests us in the same way today: “You’ve lost your job. Where are you going to get money with which to feed your family?” “You’ve lost a loved one. How are you going to cope with this despondent time?” “You’ve come into contact with cancer. How are you ever going to get better?” Jesus knows the answer to these questions! He just wants us to come to Him for help. I remember Him once saying, “Come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Jesus can help us with any problem and He wants us to come to Him. So He feeds this large group and then what? There’s still food left over! Twelve baskets! The interesting thing about this fact is that the word here for basket, is not the basket that we generally thinking of. When I think of basket, I think of a pretty large wicker thing with handles. The word for basket here is more of a pouch. It was used by travelers (like the apostles) to hold food for their journey. Is it possible that Jesus made sure there was exactly the right amount of baskets left for his apostles? We need to be just like Abraham and have faith that the Lord will provide for His people.