GENEROSITY

Isaiah 55:1-5; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21

But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 
They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.”
Matthew 14:16-18

Introduction
The topic for reflection today rest in a statement Jesus gave to His disciples when they felt inadequate or not in the capacity to feed over 5000 men, women and children not included.

During the Partial Lock-down, three of my Presbyters came to me and asked, "what do we do for members who would be in feeding crises due to the situation?" I looked at them and said, very well, find something for them. The treasurer's face changed knowing that funds was available to feed them. (I appreciate all the individuals who from their scarcity supported the church to feed needy members at the time,God bless you abundantly).

Give them something to eat, is a statement which pushes people from their comfort zone to make the impossible, possible. It brought the disciples to harness their faith in practice.
Today, the Lord says to you and I, "give them something to eat". Jesus by this is saying, there is a solution to that which seems impossible. That which makes you feel you are inadequate and incapable "no matter what". He brings hope into that hopeless situations of yours, saying 'don't give up, there is a way out.

Give them Something to Eat.

The verse 13 of Matthew 14 begins with Jesus going into solitary after hearing something. The verse 12 of the same chapter tells us that Jesus was informed about the death of John the Baptist.

Following the example of the Messiah as we allow Christ to be formed in us, we must have solitary times where we can be reflecting, meditating and praying. (Going to Retreat Centers, Atwea Mountain, finding a quiet place, in your church room alone etc.)

The crowds would not let Jesus be but still went after Him even in His hideout. With compassion, Jesus begun to minister by healing the sick. Jesus never cast away, His arms are always opened to receive anyone! anyone! I mean anyone! Who comes to Him.

He says, (Isaiah 55:1-4) "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare..."

When we search and find Jesus, He casts away our burdens. He takes us away from our fears and restores our souls.

Look for Jesus whiles He may be found to put you back in shape.

(Isaiah 55:6) "Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon."

Remember last week's message, Jesus told us that, "This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 13:49-50

He is the porter whiles we are the clay, come to Him and you shall be cleansed and re-shaped for the Master's use.

(Matthew 14:15) "As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.”"

It was remote place because Jesus wanted to be alone in a quiet solitary place. The evening approaching is the point of no hope. The old stages of the situation you find yourself.
You may have said, I believe something may happened whiles it's still morning or day. Your evening approach then you begin to count your hopes as loss.
- Sarai laughed on hearing that she would bear a son. It was her evening [90 years] (Genesis 17:17; 18:10)
Your evening is at the point of giving up. The disciples said, "...it's already getting late."

Sometimes, the expected miracle from God seems to be getting late. Hopes go down as seen in your zeal in praying about it. You have lost hope of getting healed, bearing children, marrying, being successful, etc. Just know that our God is never late.
- Remember, when He was four days late, He was still on time. Lazarus came back to life. (Luke 11)
- When Sarah was ninety years and Abraham was 100 years, He was still on time. (Genesis 21:5)
- When Daniel was pushed into the lion's den, He was still on time. (Daniel 6)
- when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego was taken to the burning furnace, He was still on time. (Daniel 3)

WORDS OF HOPE IN THE HOPELESS SITUATION

When the disciples could not see the way out, Jesus asked them to find food for them.
He said, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” Matthew 14:16

With Jesus Christ, you can always find a lasting solution to all your burden.
- 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
- Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Man will always assess your situation to the level of their ability and discourage you. Words of life, words of hope comes from Christ.
Jesus is asking you my dear Christian to give them something to eat. Give words of hope and life out of your faith in Christ for God to intervene in the affairs of men.

WHAT IS IN YOUR HANDS?

(Matthew 14:16-17) “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.
“Bring them here to me,” he said.

In Exodus 4:2 "Then the Lord said to him [Moses], “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied."

Out of the situation you find yourself, God will bring you joy. Do not rush out of your anxiety, just follow the leading of God. What you may be throwing away may be the point of your breakthrough.

The very thing you don't value may be the very purpose of God plan for you. Don't discard the small beginnings. Just put it in Christ domain and see greatness out of it.

What is in your hands?
- it may be your talent, money, possession, wealth, etc.
- may be your hopeless spouse
- may be that hopeless child of yours
- it may be that troublesome neigbour
- it may be that unvalued certificate etc

Hand them over to God and see what He does with it to your own benefit. (Matthew 14:18)

EAT TO YOUR SATISFACTION

When you cast your burdens on Him and wait patiently for Him, that is when He brings satisfaction to you. (Matthew 14:20) "They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over"

When Christ provides, He provides to your abundant satisfaction.

Gallivanting from one place to another for satisfaction of life, you will end up losing God's planned purpose for your life.
Hag. 1:6 "You have planted much, but harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it.”"

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

Conclusion
With the divine gifts and blessings God has put in you coupled with your faith in Christ, Jesus says to you, "give them something to eat." The church is hungry for healing,
love, financial breakthrough, Words of hope etc. be the source of our feed.
Coming to Jesus Christ at this right time, He provides for us to our perfect satisfaction.