Second Time Around

Matthew 14:17-20

"We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. "Bring them here to me", he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves of bread and the two fish and looking up to heaven he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketsful of broken pieces that were left over.

Reflection:

For many people leftovers are an intrinsic part of their meals. Often working parents will make a large pot of something and the purpose is to eat from it for a couple of days. Leftovers have become an American existence. When there is not much food, we can rely on our leftovers to give us nourishment. Many people have "pot luck" where they use leftovers to create a new meal. When we have leftovers that says that you had more than enough food to feed our family. Sometimes it may not look like enough but when it is time to serve the food you find that is more than enough.

As we look at our scripture we should get excited about leftovers. We should rejoice each time we pull out the Tupperware containers for the food: because that shows us that God supplied more than enough. Many years ago there was a song called The Second Time Around. In this song they declared that the second time around is better than the first time. The same is true with leftovers. Have you noticed that with certain foods the leftovers are better than the first time? That is because the seasonings have had time to sink in. The same is true for us. the first time we go through something but when we have hit the bottom, God talks to us, we hear and as we wake up for the second time things are better because God's Word was able to sink in us. When we look at our scripture I am sure that although the disciples had seen Jesus perform miracles, they were amazed when Jesus took five loaves of bread and two fish and fed thousands and had leftovers. If we examine our scripture we see Jesus, who was trying to be alone after hearing about his friend, John the Baptist, being beheaded. But when the people heard they followed him. You see they wanted whatever blessing they could get; even if it was a left over blessing. When Jesus saw them he had compassion for them and healed their sick. Realizing the time Jesus, from five loaves of bread and two fish fed approximately 5000 and had leftovers. That should encourage someone who is in pain and going through feelings of loneliness and feeling as though they don't have enough. You will have more than enough food, friends, money and faith, when you lean on Jesus you will see things will be better the second time around.

The first time you tried things your way and that was how Satan wanted things to go. But now following Jesus he will have compassion on you and the second time around will be better than the first time. The second time you will not have just enough but because you walk with Jesus you will have more than enough. So follow Jesus and get out your Tupperware because your blessings will be abundant and there will be leftovers.

Be Blessed and Encouraged