Devotionals Detail

Reading:  Matthew 14:13-21

 “You are what you eat,” I would tell my children.  This phrase was often uttered as they sat in front of a plate of vegetables deemed indigestible.  But if the promise of dessert was offered (miraculously), space would appear in their tiny tummies for a healthy vegetable to dwell.

 We know what we ingest into our bodies has a direct correlation to our health.  But in Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand, it is not his knowledge, but his compassion, that causes him to feed the crowds.  He sees many who are sick, and he goes to a deserted place to teach and heal them. His recognition of their pain, is the motivation to feed them physically and spiritually in this empty space.

 So often we hear about food deserts – places where grocery stores are unavailable in undeveloped rural or impoverished urban neighborhoods.  There are many United Methodist churches who have started food pantries to make space to meet this need in their communities. Our church has done something similar.  Hearing the need that Rocky Point mobile home community was not being reached by the food program through LISD due to its location, our church has ensured that the students living there have been fed through this summer.   Twice a week, we have been delivering meals to meet their physical hunger.  In addition to food, Bible activity bags are provided in a VBS fun style.  However, the physical and spiritual hunger is met in an even deeper way than these tangible items.  We are meeting a hunger to be seen, to be noticed, to be honored, in a place that has been deserted by others.

 This Thursday evening, our church will go to Rocky Point mobile home community again, in conjunction with the local elementary school to provide backpacks and school supplies for the students returning to school. This annual tradition recognizes not only a physical need, but a spiritual one.  By drawing near towards a space that is has been deserted, we are revealing the compassion of Christ. 

 I pray this week, as you prepare for a new school year, you might consider how you too are being called to honor the compassion of Christ in new spaces. We will begin a Back to School Sermon Series, entitled “Brave.”  Throughout August, we will explore what holy bravery looks like, as Jesus followers.  Whether going to new spaces, meeting new people, experiencing new ideas or offering new hope, we are called offer physical and spiritual presence, which requires bravery.

 This Sunday, our students of all ages will bring their backpacks, our teachers will bring their bags, and anyone going into a new space for this new school year will come to worship to receive a blessing and holy communion.  Each of us are called into new spaces of life daily, and as we eat the Lord’s Supper, we will be fed, spiritually and physically.  We will be equipped and empowered for the ministry ahead this new school year.  As we are blessed by one another and the bread and juice, we are sent forth to serve the world in brave discipleship of Jesus Christ because “we are what we eat.”