Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Feast of Epiphany
(click here to listen to or read today’s scriptures)
Famous Two
When Jesus saw the vast crowd,
his heart was moved with pity for them …
 he asked his disciples,
“How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”
Well, it didn’t take long to count those up. Five loaves and two fishes.
The most famous five loaves and two fish in history. They fed thousands. They helped make Jesus famous. His words were rich and wise; his food stretched as far as it needed to; whatever people needed, Jesus provided.
The twelve disciples divided two fish into morsels and began distributing them. In spite of the thoughts you know they had, they did it anyway. Jesus’ authority compelled them to obey, even if it made no sense.
Jesus will take what I have and make it marvelous. It doesn’t matter at all to him what it is, just whether or not I’ll do what he says to do with it. I heard this story as a child in Sunday School, but sixty-five years later I still hesitate to hand over my loaves and fish.
I am so glad that Jesus isn’t going anywhere. He’s given me all I have. I will not be afraid. And when I am afraid, Jesus frees me and lets me walk all the way in with him.
In his book Homecoming, John Bradshaw suggests some affirmations for the little baby inside me. I like to think of Jesus whispering in my ear:
Welcome to the world. I’ve been waiting for you.
I’m so glad you’re here.
I’ve prepared a special place for you to live.
I like you just the way you are.
I will not leave you, no matter what.
Your needs are okay with me.
I’ll give all the time you need to get your needs met.
I’m so glad you’re a boy (or a girl).
I want to take care of you, and I’m prepared to do that.
In all the world, there has never been another like you.
Your Father smiled when you were born.
(1 John 4, Psalm 72, Luke 4, Mark 6)
(posted at www.davesandel.net)
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