JanBeek

Today’s sermon by Rev. Steve Hundley was titled, “It’s a Miracle” BUT, he started his message by telling us how upset his congregation was (when he was a young boy) by a sermon debunking the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

Here are the notes I took while hearing the sermon this morning. The scripture inspiring it was Matthew 14: 13-26.

It makes me nervous
To remember this text
Because my memory goes back
Fifty-four years. What’s next?

I was eleven when I heard
This story of five-thousand men
Being fed with five loaves and
Three fish. What happened then?

The disciples passed their meager rations
Out to the multitude of folk,
And all those who packed a lunch
Were inspired to share as Jesus spoke.

The quantity of sharing was such
That twelve baskets were left behind.
Was it in fact a miracle, or
Generosity of an immense kind?

My eleven-year-old congregation
Was disturbed by “Miracle Debunked!”
It wasn’t Jesus multiplying food,
But multiplying compassion. Who woulda thunk?

Jesus’ resource of compassion wa such
That, like the Energizer Bunny, He kept
Giving and sharing and healing.
His love further demonstrated as Jesus wept.

Jesus’ compassion was apparent
When He told His disciples to give
The five-thousand something to eat –
And so doing, He showed us how to live.

Live with the generosity and love
Jesus was about. Live what He taught.
He said, “You go and feed them.”
Share what you have, as you ought.

Jesus could have multiplied the bread
And the fishes by Himself –
But He knew that mass of folks could
Overcome hunger and share their shelf.

Open the door to the shelf of your heart,
And give from your meager things.
Watch how the Lord gives you a sense of plenty-
And share your gifts as Jesus sings:

Thank YOU…
and
AMEN!

You are the disciple who gives
From your shelf to those who need.
Thank you for being the miracle
Who obeys Christ’s command: Go and Feed!

See ya tomorrow.
Have a beautiful Sunday evening.
Love,
JanBeek