My Good Shepherd

By this time it was late in the day, so His disciples came to Him. "This is a remote place, " they said, "and it's already very late. Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat." But He answered, "You give them something to eat."     Mark 6:35-37

This is a short passage of scripture but it sums up the disciples relationship with Jesus, at this point, so well. There were hungry people and the day was drawing to a close. This was a problem. But they had a plan. They went to Jesus to inform Him of the problem and explain exactly what He should do about it. Listen to the tone of this. They were bossing the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Laughable.

The good thing is they did go to Him. But of course that was only because He had a part to play in their scheme. They wanted Him to send the people away. Other than that, they had it all taken care of.

Isn't that what I do? I see the problem and think of a solution and then go for it. My underlying thinking is, "By the way Lord, I have this one covered." It's like I don't want to bother Him with these things. And I certainly don't want to bother myself asking.

Jesus' response is classic. Of course He saw saw the problem but had a completely different solution. It was something they never would have thought of in a million years. He was going to have them feed the 5,000 with a few loaves and fishes. They argued with Him but decided to do as He asked and pulled off one of the most amazing miracles found in the gospels.

Lesson to self. 
1. Go to Jesus. Go often. Go without an agenda.
Listen to what He might have to say about the things that are going on with me. He has so often worked in my life in ways that are mindblowingly amazing. I never would have imagined how He was going to orchestrate things. 
2. Trust Him. Trust His plan even when things seem crazy and I see no way out. The previous verse, verse 34, says, 

"He saw a large crowd and had compassion on them 

because they were like sheep without a shepherd."  

Jesus has compassion on me too. He knows I need Him. He knows I am not capable of finding my way without Him. He is my good Shepherd and I need to trust His compassionate love and care for me.

This takes time and it takes intentionality. Spending quality time being with Jesus is the best use of time (my life). It is there my character is shaped and molded. It is there where my decisions are informed. His Word pours into my heart and my mind. Being with Him is where I find the greatest love of all. 

And from there I can go about my day and trust that He is with me and will take care of me, even when it is getting late and there is no food to be seen. He has ways that are beyond my thinking. I need to remember that my soul can rest, knowing that my compassionate good Shepherd holds me in the palm of His hand.