What are They, Indeed

Scripture: One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?" John 6:8-9

Observation: The feeding of the 5,000 begins with Jesus challenging the disciples for a solution to the dilemma of how to feed everyone (John says Jesus already knew what he would do, but was testing the disciples). Philip declares it would take a large sum of money to buy food, and other accounts state that enough food wasn't even available to buy in the area and the disciples recommended sending everyone away.

However, Andrew makes the strangest of all comments. Andrew brings forward a boy with what is basically enough for one family to eat. While many lessons have been taught about the faith involved with a boy offering the little he had - and this has become famous in the telling of the miracle - Andrew even bringing this as a potential solution is almost ludicrous ... and he knew it. What he says "what are they among so many people", it is almost like he wasn't saying "here is a solution", but rather "this is all there is, so certainly the situation is hopeless."

Application: I recognize there are SO many lessons here ... giving God even the little bit we have, faith in miracles when we seem to have nothing, innocent surrender of all we possess, etc. Yet perhaps the reality of the situation is found in this idea ... the wonder and power of God is discovered when we know and acknowledge the situation is hopeless.

And this is where I am today, knowing that the situation in the Pacific Northwest is hopeless. I have given up on any wonderful future for my home city, Seattle. I have advised my children to consider living elsewhere. I have thought of when my wife and I can leave. I lean into the idea to reach people for Christ here as individuals who need to the good news, but the deeply rooted issues of the region give me no hope for a future of this area that involves anything approaching kingdom values.

I have reached the point of Andrew. Here, Lord, are churches attempting to proclaim your name, pronounce the gospel message of Jesus, to heal the sick and the broken-hearted. But what are they among so many people, when we now know that less than 3 percent of the people in the region even go to church?

I sincerely hope Jesus is about to show me how weak my faith is, and that he already knows what he is going to do about this.

Prayer: Lord, please come in power. I cannot see a way in this region, but with you all things are possible. May it be that not only does the situation turn, but that when it does the evidence of your mighty hand is so obvious that it cannot be refuted. Amen.