Just a bit short-sighted

After reading about the people in the gospel of the loaves and fishes in Matthew (Matt 15:29-37) I’m feeling a bit short-sighted in my own faith.

These people have been following Jesus for three days, and in that span of time have had nothing to eat.  Their desire to be with Jesus has overcome even their basic desire for food.  They follow after Jesus with reckless abandon, at great personal cost to themselves.  These people must be crazy!  Or are they?

Jesus evidently doesn’t think so.  He says “I do not want to send them away hungry for I fear they may collapse on the way.”

Perhaps for us this should be reality check.  How much do we desire to follow Jesus?  Do we desire Him enough to seek Him even when we’re hungry?  Busy?  Tired?  Sick?  What kind of things are we willing to give up in order to follow Jesus?  What kind of things aren’t we willing to give up?

If this story tells us anything, it’s that Jesus will provide for us.  If we’re willing to make sacrifices to go where Jesus may be leading, He won’t forget us, He won’t allow us to perish in pursuit of Him.  Jesus will give us what we need to carry on after Him.  He feeds the crowds out of just seven loaves and two fish.  Imagine what He can do with the very small amount we have to offer.  Our path may not be easy, and will probably be wrought with suffering, but it won’t be in vain.  Jesus will lead us to heaven if we’re willing to follow Him above every other desire.