Prior to the creation and evolution of the internet, students relied on books, creativity and listening for education. Today, the mind has been spoiled by GPS, 4G and ever changing technology to make life more convenient. Subsequently, the concept of thinking outside the box is becoming a lost art. Thus, most of society is going along with the flow, oblivious to the decay of the human minds in America.
By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” – Mark 6:35-36
Before the advent of credit cards, fast food and professional catering, Jesus and his friends found themselves in a conundrum. Five thousand men, excluding woman and children, traveled to a remote location without any access to food. This memorable event is the only miracle mentioned by all 4 gospel authors, a prime example of outside of the box thinking. Though the 12 disciples tried to pass the buck, sending the crowds away, Jesus had another plan in mind.
But he answered, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?” – Mark 6:37
Jesus took what they had and turned his attention toward heaven. While there are several different theories on the feeding of the 5,000 as portrayed in recent movies and mini-series on the life of Christ, two truths can be extracted by this passage. First, whenever you face an impossible situation, put your faith and trust in God to act on your behalf. Second, although God may not answer your request exactly how you want, the Lord will provide enough daily bread to get you through each day. In the future, don’t be afraid to think outside the box by lifting your concerns up to heaven.
by Jay Mankus
