Author: Dave Dishman (Page 276 of 481)

Organizing a picnic with all the food and drinks and napkins for twenty-five people is a lot of work. A good host thinks about the people coming, how much food to prepare, and budget constraints. Hot dogs or fried chicken?

Jesus fed thousands and thousands of people on more than one occasion with only a few loaves of bread and a handful of fish. His disciples expressed their worry—where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?

Those with Jesus failed to understand who stood among them. How could they know bread for a crowd barely registered on the creative power residing within Jesus? For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible…and in him all things hold together (Colossians 1:16-17).

I get lost in the pictures beamed back to us from the James Webb space telescope. The image above shows the five galaxies of Stephan’s Quintet. Ginormous, beautiful, and beyond imagination. The deeper the telescope peers, the more it sees—endless space and stars. Truly the heavens declare the glory of God (Psalm 19:1).

Jesus made all those galaxies. They hold together by his power. Is it any wonder he threw a good picnic?

Feeding the masses was no problem for Jesus. Providing for me is no problem for Jesus. Working my life toward his ends is no problem for Jesus. The only problem for Jesus? Me and my lack of faith in Jesus.

Look at those images from the telescope, or walk outside and gaze at the stars this evening. As you do, consider the one who put those galaxies in place, and thank him for the bread on your table as well.

Matthew 15 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

My friend in college (and still my friend today) explained a fascinating concept over a meal. At least once a week he tried to eat until he reached “popping point,” not leaving the table until he was grossly over-stuffed. I immediately adopted this philosophy, wistfully abandoned a few years later when my metabolism slowed. But it was fun while it lasted.

Jesus fed 5,000+ men, women and children until they reached popping point. Taking the five loaves and two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves…they all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Everyone ate all they wanted. Food was left over, piled all around. No one stopped eating until they were full. Jesus provided an abundance.

Worried about resources, I would have worked it out so that everyone had just enough. I slice the pie thinner. But when the Lord gets involved he cuts thick slabs and creates more pies.

Jesus said, I came that you might have life, and have it abundantly (John 10:10). His demonstration with the loaves and fish holds a mirror to what he proposes. I underestimate his ability to create abundance.

Along those lines, I fail to enjoy his abundance all around me. In family, in health, in nature, in friends, and yes, in my pantry. No lack of food anywhere near.

While the goal of popping point remains a fond memory, it reminds me of the promise of the Lord and his ability to create a life of abundance.

Matthew 14 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Alex Lvrs

Insurance is a wonderful thing. I just got my Jeep back from the bodyshop after a fender bender. My auto insurance paid for most all of the repair. Along with car insurance, I have homeowner’s insurance, health insurance, savings insurance (FDIC) and life insurance.

Amaziah, king of Judah, won a smashing victory over the nation’s oppressors. When he returned to the palace, he carried back the idols of the defeated, bowed before them and worshipped. The Lord immediately dispatched a prophet with this message:

Why do you consult this people’s gods, which could not save their own people from your hand?

The prophet asked a good question—why would Amaziah worship powerless gods, and in doing so, offend the Lord who went before him?

Amaziah’s choice looks wildly foolish. Maybe he thought in slow-motion? Likely something in the look and build of those idols caught his eye, and Amaziah heard stories of the power of those gods.

I suspect Amaziah hoped to add a layer of insurance. If the Lord saves, why not a few more deities? A dream team of gods? The Lord+?

I lean that direction. Whether position or money or recognition or security, I tend to layer insurance to the Lord’s role in my life. When the Lord looks the other direction, I’ll have something solid to hold. I cannot quite trust all the way.

It’s not to the level of burning incense and praying to carved images, but I notice my lack of assurance. Why do I consult the people’s gods when the Lord has always provided? I recognize the Lord stands beyond all the added ways I insure my life anyway, so why get stuck on my insurance? Why look to create my version of the Lord+?

Only when my hope returns to the Lord do I find a solid, fully insured place to stand.

2 Chronicles 25 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022

Photo by Tierra Mallorca