“You Give Them Something To Eat!”

“You Give Them Something To Eat!”
There is a sarcastic indictment on us clergy in the form of a joke. It is something like, “When the pastor needs something the Christians are asked to contribute money, but when a Christian is in need, the pastor says, ‘Let us pray for her/him.'”
This is not necessarily true, but it is revealing of what Christians think about their spiritual leaders.
A retired pastor once told me how while he was serving in a big congregation, it was agreed that groups should take turns to give food to the pastor. When it was the turn of one group, some group members grumbled – incidentally to the hearing of the pastor. The day the pastor’s family ate the first of that food, everybody had a sleepless night. The following Sunday the pastor announced to the confregation that his family could survive without food from the congregation. And that was the end of the matter.
But on the other hand, how often do pastors ask their congregations to support those who are in need? Congregations often have a “Poor and needy” box, but many say just the name is repelling since it reduces the dignity of would-be beneficiaries. A more appropriate name should be “diakonia” box.
As followers of Christ we have a responsibility to attend to the food needs of the people just as much as we feed them with the goodnews. I am reminded of the story of the passenger in a seventy seater bus. He ate his bread and sardine and drank his bottle of juice. Then he removed a gospel tract from his hand bag, turned to his neigbour and asked, “Have you received Christ?”
The crowds that follow Jesus are not only yearning for spiritual food alone. They also need food to feed the flesh and be physically strong. Jesus does not expect us to tell him, “Send the people away so they can go…and buy themselves somethingto eat.” Jesus has compassion on whoever is seeking him, because people are like sheep without a shepherd.
It is true that they need the word of God, but they too must eat. And Jesus commands us, “You give them something to eat.” What you have may seem little, but little in the hands of God becomes much and can feed thousands until there are leftovers (Mk.6:32-44).
God bless you as you share the little that you have with others! That may be the only way you can bring some to Christ. Sometimes the best way to warm your way into somebody’s heart is through his stomach!
Prayer: Holy Spirit be my encourager always to share the little I have with others. Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!