When we don't know what to do

I am still using N.T. Wright's 'John For Everyone' commentary for my morning devotions. I read the text, and his thoughts on them, and then journal my thoughts and a prayer to God. I must admit, most days it results in little more than, "God, I don't know what this means, and I have no idea what I'm supposed to do. Help." Today, however, was NOT one of those days!

Today's reading was from John 6:1-15, dealing with the 'feeding of the five thousand.' For starters, this is an incredible story and piece of writing. More than that, though, I really like how Wright handled it.

Much like a good detective story, Wright contends, John weaves several clues to the meaning throughout. Every little detail has meaning. For instance, this is the second time John has mentioned something happening at Passover time. He seems to want us to connect our minds to the Passover itself - when God liberated the children of Israel from Egypt - and with the other Passover events in the gospel... such as Jesus' death and resurrection. Not only did God provide 'bread from heaven' during the wilderness wanderings, and at this event with a crowd in the hills, but he has provided for our ultimate need in the 'bread and cup' of Jesus himself!

What really caught my interest today was something else Wright points out though: the exchange between Jesus, Philip and Andrew - and, of course, the unnamed boy with the bread and fish. As Wright writes:

"Philip doesn't know what to do. Andrew doesn't either, but he brings the boy and his bread and fish to Jesus' attention. The point is obvious, but we perhaps need to be reminded of it: so often we ourselves have no idea what to do, but the starting-point is always to bring what is there to the attention of Jesus. You can never tell what he's going to do with it - though part of the Christian faith is the expectation that he will do something we hadn't thought of, something new and creative."

Yes! Yes! and Yes! again!!! Isn't that so awesome?!?

Wright also points out the jump Jesus' hearers make from 'prophet' to 'Messiah' (or king). He notes, "...the reaction of the crowds shows that they understand both of these in what Jesus regards as a quite inadequate sense. In much of the rest of the chapter, Jesus will attempt to move them towards a deeper and truer understanding. We must hope and pray that this chapter has that effect on us as well." Amen!

But back to the bolded point above (the exchange between Jesus, Philip and Andrew)... This really triggered something in my mind this morning. I'm not entirely sure why, but... it's what is there.

What it has me thinking is... is this the point of prayer? Are we simply to bring what we have to Jesus... in hopes that he will do something with it? Something new and creative... something we'd never guessed, or expected, or thought possible? I mean, that's kind of what faith itself is, am I right?!?

Anyway, in my journal this morning I just wrote down what was there. I tried to 'be still' and simply notice my surroundings, my thoughts, what was happening in and around me. It didn't seem like much to me... like a sack lunch... but I, even I, admit to being just a little excited - for at least a moment - at the thought of what Jesus might be able to do with it.

So what about you? What is 'there' in your life... that you can bring to Jesus' attention? Think of it not only as an experiment in mindfulness... but faithfulness too. :)

Peace out; and in.