Being fussed over...

As a mom, I understand what it is to "fuss over" a precious little one. Are they too hot? Are they too cold? Are they hungry? Do they need a diaper change? Well, the diaper changes are more of a distant memory; but "fussing" is what moms do.

Interesting that this idea was made large this week as I read from the book of Matthew 15 about Jesus feeding the 4,000. I have read this story many times; but a Fresh Perspective came over me as I read it this week.

I saw, in this passage, what wasn't said and enjoyed the picture of Jesus fussing over ME!

The story paints a picture of 4000 people in the middle of the wilderness about to become hungry.

The disciples, logical thinkers that they were, counted the food they had and let Jesus know that there was no way they could feed them. The story goes on to the miracle of the loaves and fishes and the people ate all they wanted and there was food left over.

What I missed in earlier readings is this: The story mentions that Jesus was "feeling sorry" that they had been there 3 days and had nothing left to eat. Jesus was concerned that the people were hungry. The story doesn't say that the people were groaning, whining and complaining that they were hungry.

I see Jesus doing 2 important things that have become precious to me:

1. He was thinking about the need that was coming...anticipating their needs....even before the need was presented in living color. He KNOWS what we need before a single hunger pain arrives. He said, "I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. I don't want to send them away hungry, or they will faint along the way."

2. And, just like we parents who like to reward our children for good choices, He placed a high priority on providing (even through supernatural means) for the needs of those people based on his unconditional love for them and through their selfless choice to stay with Him, even though they didn't have enough food.

I hadn't thought about it in depth before my reading this week. These people chose to stop whatever they were doing in their "normal" life and follow Jesus into the wilderness to hear Him and just be with Him.

Long before the advent of cars and ice chests, they probably packed a basket with food. They had no idea how long they would be there, yet they continued to choose to stay even after their food supply had run out.

Every time I've read this passage before, I've marveled at another of Jesus' miracles. Today, I'm in awe of 4,000 people who decided to stay.

They were making a Kingdom choice that made no earthly sense. And Jesus "fussed over" them and loved them and, ultimately, displayed the Father's Glory by providing all they needed supernaturally.

He rewarded their great choice with love, care, provision, GLORY and grace.

Today, I'm motivated and challenging myself to think about my choices. The truth is, I think that if I were among those 4,000, I would've left early to "beat the crowds" as soon as my earthly food supply ran out.

Oh, what I would've missed!! All in an effort to protect my own provision and needs. This choice of "staying with Jesus regardless of the surrounding circumstances" goes against every "common sense" lesson my parents taught me.

And yet, the TRUTH propels me forward in new and exciting ways!!