ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST  

Isaiah 55:15  Romans 8:35-39  Matthew 14:13-21  Psalm 143:1-10     

Whenever we hear a sermon on one of the LORD'S miracles, we always find this basic truth: Jesus Christ is not just some wonderful man or some great teacher; Jesus Christ is the one, only, true, and almighty LORD God. Each one of Jesus' miracles proves that beyond a shadow of a doubt. Each miracle in a special way reveals Jesus' feelings for us, and is intended to strengthen our faith in Him. So often we can see all of our problems, but we don't always see that compassionate and all powerful Savior there, too, who can help us.     

The miracle before us today reminds us to "cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us." This miracle also verifies what St. Paul so triumpantly  says: "If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?" How did Christ meet the needs of this crowd in our text? He feeds the souls of this crowd first and then feeds their bodies. Remember what He said on the Sermon on the Mount? "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." That multitude apparently didn't learn that lesson because later on they wanted to make Jesus their "bread king."     

Christian friends, Sometimes we don't always learn that lesson.Do we always give our soul's welfare priority over everything else in life? So often we can be more concerned about the grocery bills, rent, car payments, etc, then we are with nourishing our souls on the Word, growing in our faith, and advancing the kingdom of God. This Jesus who fed this great crowd with the meager supply of food is the one who says to us: "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty." John 6:35.  

There is always something over,                                                                             When we trust our gracious LORD;                                                                         Every cup He fills o'er floweth,                                                                                        His great rivers all are broad.                                                                                Nothing narrow, nothing stinted,                                                                               Ever issure from His store;                                                                                                      To His own He gives full measure,                                                                    Running over, evermore.  

PRAY with me- Let Your continual mercy, O LORD, cleanse and defend Your Church; and because it cannot continue in safety without Your help, protect and govern it always by Your goodness; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen