Both the Lord and the disciples saw the physical need of the crowd and had compassion on them. The Lord asked His disciples how the multitude could be fed. The disciples recognized their inability to do so, but the Lord was able. The disciples themselves searched for that which could be used and brought what they found to the Lord. He took what was available and, after having given thanks over the food, gave it to His disciples who in turn served the people; and they were all abundantly satisfied.

Today the same need to be nourished still exists, and the only One who can satisfy this need is the Lord. But He uses instruments for this service. From this we see the need for us to be ready to serve that which the Lord provides. But we must take the time to search it out ourselves, and then with the Lord’s blessing we can pass it on to others. There needs to be diligence on our part; there needs to be prayer, seeking the Lord’s blessing, dependence on Him rather than ourselves, passing on what He provides.

Do we recognize the need of the “multitude” and yet do not do our part? How much are we in the Lord’s presence, receiving something from Him, so that if He wishes we can pass it on to others? How much do all of us, brothers and sisters, young and old, pray for the preaching of the Word? Or do we come with hearts and hands empty, without anything to share, waiting only for others to feed us? This Lord’s Day, if the Lord wishes to speak to us a word of encouragement, of challenge, of correction, or of the gospel, are you praying for that? Are you ready to be used if He wishes to use you?