God Is Able

One of the measurements that is used to reveal the strength of a victor in a competition is “the margin of victory.” It is noted that the greater the margin the greater the victor’s ability to impose their strength over their opponent.

This concept best describes the display of power Jesus revealed in feeding multitudes with a few small loaves of bread. In the account of Matthew 16:5—12 Jesus told His disciples that they should not worry about their inability to provide for themselves when He is present. To prove this Jesus reminds them of the margin of victory He had in providing food for the large and hungry crowds that numbered over 5,000 and 4,000 in two separate occasions. When He fed 5,000 there were 12 full baskets of leftovers (Matthew 14:20). When he fed 4,000 there were 7 very large baskets full of left overs (Matthew 15:37).

Jesus’ emphasis on these great miracles is not only that He fed so many from little, but that He could have kept on feeding as many as needed. This is why the mention of the fact that everyone was full, yet there was an abundance of leftovers. Jesus could have multiplied just enough to feed everyone, but He gave leftovers in abundance to show that He did not have to stop.

You see we try to limit God’s ability even in respect to miracles. God loses no strength in going above and beyond our standards of reality and our expectations. Paul notes this truth in his use of what is believed to be a great hymn of the early church—“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20—21)

So, how is your expectation? Do you believe God to do far more abundantly beyond your expectations? Do your actions show this to be true?

This week’s Friends Sunday is a perfect opportunity to see the Lord do great such great things.