Matthew 14:15-16

That evening the disciples came to Jesus 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 food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “That isn’t necessary—you feed them.”

You can’t blame the disciples. They were probably exhausted trying to keep up with Jesus, who always seemed to have energy to minister to people. When they went to Jesus at the end of this busy day, they felt he ought to tell the crowds to go back to their homes. They used the sensible argument that they were in a remote place, it was getting late and so it would be good to encourage the people to go and get some food. But Jesus turned the tables on the disciples. Rather than agreeing with them, he told them to feed the people. They needed to take responsibility for sorting out the situation.

When we see situations of need it’s always a relief when we can see someone else who is willing to respond. But that isn’t always the case. Sometimes the Lord tells us not to look for anyone else – because we need to act. Perhaps you see a person who is deeply unhappy, and they simply need someone who will calmly and patiently listen to them. Or you see a person who is struggling financially who just needs a little money to help them through the next few days. On many occasions you can stand back and bless the Lord that someone else steps in, but there are times when the Lord says to us: “This is your moment. You help them.”

We should thank God for the welfare state. It is a privilege to live in a country where so many needs are catered for. In many parts of the world this is not the case, and it has been the thoughtful work of many people, including Christians, over the years who have devised a way of supporting the vulnerable. But, wonderful as the welfare state may be, there always have been, and always will be, those who slip through the net, and the Lord calls us to respond.

Question

Who might the Lord be asking you to help?

Prayer

Loving God, help me to be willing to respond to those in need, even when it’s getting towards the end of the day and I’m feeling tired. Amen