Philip had probably wondered if Jesus had lost His mind. There they were out in the middle of nowhere it seemed, a large crowd captivated by the miracles He was performing harboring around, and the Passover approaching. Writing some years later the Apostle John tells us, "When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?" Philip, surveying the crowd, articulated the dilemma, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" (John 6:5,7; NIV). In other words, "Jesus, we've got a problem!"
Isn't it amazing how standing right next to Jesus, who by this time had performed many miracles, Philip immediately focused on the problem? Interestingly, Jesus knowing the situation first hand had purposefully asked the question. In verse 6 we read, "He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do." Undoubtedly, He wanted Philip to recognize and acknowledge His ability to supernaturally feed the multitude. However, the disciple got caught up in problem of the moment and lost sight of the master who transcended all situations. Philip had not yet come to a full realization of who Jesus really was.
Before Philip knew there was a problem, Jesus already had the solution; He already had in mind what He was going to do. What tremendous comfort to the child of God. We are reminded of the promise of our unchangeable God, "Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear" (Isaiah 65:24). Like Philip we often times instinctively focus on the problem at hand, but let us remember that our problems are God's opportunities. Just because we are overwhelmed by them doesn't mean that He is. The disciple thought he needed to find a solution, not understanding that the Solution he needed was standing next to him. His ability was no match for the problem, but Christ’s ability far surpassed any problem they could encounter.
As we think about what is happening in our space, in our ability it is "Jesus, we've got a problem!" However, once we recognize who He is and the awesomeness of His ability, we can face our challenges and say "Jesus, this is something right up your street!" While you ponder, He already has in mind what He's going to do. Do you?
2 comments:
Von Hugel once wrote one the most helpful, yet self-evident statements in the history of the church: God is always previous.
He was right. Good post.
Brad
A line in a song by a popular Jamaican Gospel artiste, Kerron Ennis goes - "stop telling God about your problem, tell your problem about your Mighty God!" Human nature causes us to focus on what we can't fix rather than the Fixer. I enjoyed reading this...thank you, Lord for inspirition!
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