Broken to Be Given

Posted on June 5, 2015 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

Broken To Be Given

Then He commanded the multitudes to sit on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples to the multitudes. (Matthew 14: 19)

On Sunday morning, July 26, 2009, I stood in the pulpit at the Colony of Mercy Chapel at America’s Keswick with my Bible opened to Matthew 14: 13-21 and a bottle of Pepto Bismol ® in my hand. I can remember the morning as though it were yesterday, because I knew most of the people in the audience that day could identify with what I was about to say. I read the passage of Scripture and then I held up the well-known bottle of pink medicine and read from the label, Shake well before using.

The stage is set! Herod had just murdered John the Baptist. Jesus was grieving the death of His cousin, friend and forerunner. In His grief, Jesus withdrew to a place of solitude and rest. However, He found Himself surrounded by 5000 (when women and children were added to the number, since only the men were counted, the number could have been around 20,000 people).

The disciples wanted to send the people home. Jesus instructed the disciples to give the people something to eat. The disciples informed Jesus that they did not have the resources to feed so many people.

Do you ever feel that the demands upon your life surpass your ability to meet those demands? Two facts faced the disciples: 1) They were overwhelmed by the enormity of the need. Almost 20,000 hungry people stood before them waiting to be fed. 2) They were overwhelmed by the inadequacy on their part to meet the need.

In John 6: 9, we learn that Andrew found a lad in the crowd who had five loaves and two fish. However, what good was this small portion when so many needed to be fed?

The miracle occurred in verse 19, when Jesus broke and gave. A great lesson is taught here. It is not our strength that the Lord needs, it is our brokenness.

A.W. Tozer once said, “It is doubtful that God will use a man greatly, until He has hurt him deeply.”

Shake well before using. Are you ready to be broken in order to be used by the Master? Dr. Roger D. Willmore is a popular speaker at America’s Keswick and will be here this summer, August 9-14. Call 800-453-7942 to make your reservations.

Keswick, America’s  (2012-12-13). Real Victory for Real Life Volume 2 (Kindle Locations 5591-5617).  . Kindle Edition.

Daily Bible Reading: Jeremiah 1-2; Matthew 20:17-34

Think About This: We must never forget that Christ did not suffer just during His three years of public ministry or the last few days of His life when He was crucified. No, He suffered throughout His life on earth. He who was without sin lived daily with the corruption and sinfulness of lost humanity. A.B. Simpson

This Week’s Verse to Memorize: The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10