Scripture

A vast crowd brought to him people who were lame, blind, crippled, those who could not speak, and many others. They laid them before Jesus, and he healed them all. The crowd was amazed!

Observation

A vast crowd gathers around Jesus, bringing people suffering all kinds of ailments. Jesus heals them all, and everyone is amazed. Those who have been healed praise the God of Israel.

Jesus calls the disciples together and tells them they need to feed the people. They find seven loaves and a few fish which Jesus multiplies to feed 4000 men plus women and children.

Application

A large crowd gather together to meet with Jesus. They are hungry for an encounter with the Lord. They bring everyone they know who is ill or maimed in any way. He heals them all. Nothing is too hard for the Lord.

When do we come together in church with an expectation that we will meet Jesus?

When is the last time Jesus healed everyone in church?

We have to regain that sense of anticipation, of wonder, of amazement at what God will do amongst His people.

We can make theories and excuses, but the fact is that often our experience of church is nothing like this gathering of people.

The Holy Spirit is here.

Let faith rest on this fact.

Can I expect that God might do something amazing his Sunday? Or even right now?

Prayer

Come Holy Spirit. Let my faith find your grace today. Come and heal the sick, feed the hungry, raise the dead. May the people in my community praise the God of Israel. Amen.