“Don’t you remember?”
Muse on this question.
“Don’t you remember?”
This is the question that Jesus asked his disciples in Mark 8. It came on the heels of two HUGE food distribution efforts. One was for a group of 5000 men (see Mark 6) and the next was for a smaller group of 4000 men. By most estimations the groups were 2-3 times larger than reported due to the inclusion of women and children.
In both cases Jesus proved himself to be a miracle-worker. His batting average is perfect. Of course, isn’t that what you would expect from the Son of God?!?
After feeding thousands (and healing a possessed girl, a deaf/mute man, and oh yah…walking on WATER), Jesus and his disciples retreated to a boat ride on the lake. Shortly after disembarking, the disciples realized they had brought only one loaf of bread with them for the journey. This was clearly not enough for a day on the water.
What would they do? Where will they go? Who gets to eat? Who goes hungry?
Questions. Questions. Questions.
Then there was one from Jesus “Don’t you remember?”
He didn’t stop there: Don’t you get it? Is your heart hardened? Can’t you see or hear? Don’t you remember when I feed five thousand and we had a bunch of left-overs? Don’t you recall when I fed four thousand and we had basketfuls of pieces to pick up?
“Don’t you remember?”
I need to confess that I have a short-term memory. Do you? Are you like me and so easily forget the past blessings of the Lord when current challenges present themselves? It’s so common for us to watch the Lord move in powerful ways one moment then fail to trust him the next.
• 5000: Fed and happy.
• 4000: Full with left-overs.
• Boat full of disciples with one loaf of bread between them: Help! We’re gonna die!! All hope is lost!!!
Jesus must shake his head at the obvious display of unbelief and distrust…both then and now. Has God taken care of you in the past and yet you wonder if he will continue to moving forward? Have you given of your tithes and offerings watching how he “opens the floodgates of blessings” and yet fear grips you this month with your limited funds? Did you thank God for the food on your table last night but aren’t sure if he’ll sustain you tomorrow and the next?
“Don’t you remember?”
I believe that the power of anticipation is fueled by the practice of reflection. When you remember what God DID it builds a sense of excitement for he will DO!