Seeley Swan Pathfinder, Passages, Weekly Newspaper, Seeley Lake, Montana

Why Settle For Crumbs

William R. Campbell
Associate Pastor
Mission Bible Fellowship
Seeley Lake

When I read the early chapters of the Gospel of John where Jesus spends a great deal of his time teaching his disciples, I’m often led to the thought, “Boy they were really slow learners!” But, not long after I indulge that thought I usually see myself in those verses. I realize my great ability, even inclination, toward wrong thought.
In John Chapter 6 we see Jesus feeding the five thousand. And though Jesus has already converted water to wine and performed a number of miraculous healings, Jesus still tests his Disciples by asking, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” Their responses indicate that they still don’t quite get it. And if they, His own disciples, don’t understand, imagine the general public’s confusion.
The people wanted the miracles (the crumbs) but Jesus wanted much more for them. They wanted a “piece” of bread; Jesus wanted them to have his “peace” – the Bread of life. Just as the woman at the well wanted “water,” yet Jesus wanted much more for her – He wanted her to have “Living water” – a well springing up to eternal life.
How often in our daily lives are we more focused on the need for some emergency fix, some miracle (crumbs really) when our real focus should be on our greater need? Whenever we find ourselves focusing on life’s everyday problems, our human tendency is to do the same thing the disciples did–forget the solution is not within us, but rather it is of God. Thus we miss out on the “Peace that passes all understanding.”
How quickly we forget the words of Philippians 4:7, one of the great promises of God, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
So, when the problems come (Oh, there’s one now!) remember, don’t settle for crumbs! Jesus has much more for us. Jesus is not pushy. He simply offers. It’s up to each of us individually to recognize the free gift, and receive it…if we will.
Near the end of his Gospel John records these words, “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”
And “As for me and my house,” that’s what we’re most thankful for this Thanksgiving season…God’s free gift, and all that that encompasses!

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		Passages - November 19, 2009
		Why Settle For Crumbs William R. Campbell Associate Pastor Mission Bible Fellowship Seeley Lake When I read the early chapters of the Gospel of John where Jesus spends a great deal of his time teaching his disciples, I’m often led to the thought, “Boy they were really slow learners!” But, not long after I indulge that thought I usually see myself in those verses. I realize my great ability, even inclination, toward wrong thought. In John Chapter 6 we see Jesus feeding the five thousand. And though Jesus has already converted water to wine and performed a number of miraculous healings, Jesus still tests his Disciples by asking, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” Their responses indicate that they still don’t quite get it. And if they, His own disciples, don’t understand, imagine the general public’s confusion. The people wanted the miracles (the crumbs) but Jesus wanted much more for them. They wanted a “piece” of bread; Jesus wanted them to have his “peace” – the Bread of life. Just as the woman at the well wanted “water,” yet Jesus wanted much more for her – He wanted her to have “Living water” – a well springing up to eternal life. How often in our daily lives are we more focused on the need for some emergency fix, some miracle (crumbs really) when our real focus should be on our greater need? Whenever we find ourselves focusing on life’s everyday problems, our human tendency is to do the same thing the disciples did–forget the solution is not within us, but rather it is of God. Thus we miss out on the “Peace that passes all understanding.” How quickly we forget the words of Philippians 4:7, one of the great promises of God, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” So, when the problems come (Oh, there’s one now!) remember, don’t settle for crumbs! Jesus has much more for us. Jesus is not pushy. He simply offers. It’s up to each of us individually to recognize the free gift, and receive it…if we will. Near the end of his Gospel John records these words, “Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” And “As for me and my house,” that’s what we’re most thankful for this Thanksgiving season…God’s free gift, and all that that encompasses! Back
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