January 9 Have a Seat

John 6:7-10 Philip answered him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them.
 
IN Psalm 23 David wrote, “The Lord is my Shepherd. He makes me lie down in green pastures…You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” Now Jesus gives us a picture of this promise literally come true.
   The Good Shepherd has come to earth. The has led his people to the green grass on Galilee’s far shore. He invites them to sit down to enjoy a meal he has prepared for them.
   How soothing are Jesus’ words, “Have the people sit down.”  He is the Host, who welcomes his friends. His desire is for their secure comfort. The gracious Shepherd knows his people are hungry. He acts to feed them and to show them he is their God of promise and hope.
   Do you remember a few lessons back when we spoke of Yahweh? This is the Hebrew name for God. The name Jehovah was also used at different points in history. In the Bible many versions write this name as LORD. The name defines God’s character. The LORD is eternal and able to do all that He wills; the LORD will do all that He has promised.
   David and other prophets described the LORD’s character. They defined who He is and what He would do. Then the LORD came in the flesh to demonstrate His promises are truly life to His people.
   The LORD speaks. The LORD acts. We can look into history to see he is true to his word.  In turn we gaze to the future to know with sure hope the LORD will invite his faithful to sit down and feast with him: Revelation 3:20-21 “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. 21 To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.” 
  
Prayer: LORD, come into my life. I look forward to the day I will sit with you and your people to savor the eternal feast of your love and joy. Amen.