The act of feeding the hungry used to be something we heard about happening in third world countries. Today, feeding the hungry is a close reality as people lose jobs due to the economy. Who's responsible for feeding the hungry?
Feeding the Hungry Multitude
"When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food. But Jesus said to them, They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat (Mt. 14:15-16 NKJV)."
This is a familiar Bible story. Jesus is feeding the hungry multitude of 5,000 men, not including women and children. Yes, he blessed the loaves and fishes. Yes, he performed the miraculous increase of the food donation. Yet this command remains, "You give them something to eat."
Another version of this story is found in John 6:5-14. A lad supplies the food donation of loaves and fishes. Jesus could have created bread from rocks, but he didn't. He used available resources. Humanity provided the food donation. Christ blessed the food donation. Humanity distributed the food donation to feed the hungry multitude.
Christian Duty To Feed the Hungry
Jesus' words stand out in the story of feeding the hungry multitude. Every time I read it they hit me, "You give them something to eat." Those who profess to follow Christ are commanded to feed the hungry.
Christians have been blessed for decades with an abundance of goods. We're expected to share this abundance with those who are in need whether they follow Christ or not. Read Matthew 25:14-46. Let the reality of Jesus' words resonate in your heart.
What Can I Do To Feed the Hungry?
"You give them something to eat." Hands-on feeding the hungry requires time and effort. The experience of feeding the hungry can be heart-wrenching. Many opportunities exist to help feed the hungry.
Give a food donation in the form of money to your local food pantry or soup kitchen. This is the most effective donation. If you don't have money to give to a soup kitchen or food pantry, even a small food donation is appreciated.
Many churches already have a food pantry or food ministry in place. Some offer soup kitchen services. If yours doesn't and you can't find one locally, then start a soup kitchen. Open a food pantry.
Hungry people are looking for help. The Christian community possesses the resources to feed the hungry. We're commanded by Christ to feed the hungry.
I implore all Christians to search their hearts. Give a monetary offering, a food donation, or volunteer your services. There is something you can do to help those in need. God can take a food donation of five loaves and two fishes, bless it, and place the food donation in our hands to feed thousands. God bless...
NKJV - New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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