His Panoramic View
- Heather Baird
- Feb 13
- 5 min read
As I’ve been reading through the New Testament, I got stuck in Matthew 14. It’s the encounter of the feeding of the 5,000. The multiplying of the five loaves of bread and two small fish. It’s one I’ve heard many times, but I couldn’t just pass over it this time. The detective in me couldn’t let it go, and it’s here in the searching, where I’ve found his hidden treasures and truths. Proverbs 2:1-5. You see, he wants to give us insight, revelation, wisdom, and knowledge, and it’s everywhere in his word. The question becomes, will we pursue it?
So, I googled it! I knew there was more than one account of this miracle, and this is what I found.
Of course I had to go read all four versions, because this is like having four different eyewitness accounts. No, I didn’t make a spreadsheet… although I did contemplate it.
But catch this, before the miracle even begins something happens.
Matthew: “13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.”
Then Mark says, “31 he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Luke states, “Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves”
And finally, John, “Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with the disciples.”
I believe this was preparation. I have this station I began listening to in the mornings called 1Moment. It’s instrumental music. It always starts with the text, “One moment with God changes everything.” In Matthews version it was Jesus who retreated. He went to be with the Father.
How often do we seek the miracle, the deliverance, the provision, etc., but I think we miss it, because they key is in seeking the Healer- Jehovah-Rapha, the Deliverer- Jehovah-Mephalti, the Provider- Jehovah-Jireh first. He’s our answer.
I have a sticky note in my Bible to keep my place. I wrote “Abide” on it. Biblically, the term "abide" means to remain steadfast in God’s Word and will, trusting in His promises, and living in His presence. It implies a deep sense of obedience, loyalty, and dependence on God for guidance, comfort, and sustenance. The concept of abiding is found throughout the Bible. The Greek word "menó" is often associated with "abide," meaning to stay, remain, or dwell.
But wait, there’s more! Right after this miracle of multiplication and provision Matthew says, “Immediately, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat” This is where the storm kicks up, the disciples become scared, see Jesus out on the water, and Peter’s faith is tested.
I think so often this is where we stop, we disengage as we read the rest. We think, “Whoa…what a day!” But you have to keep reading!
34 When they had crossed over, they landed at Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place recognized Jesus, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought all their sick to him 36 and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but friend, it’s not about where you’ve been, or where you’re at, it’s about where you’re going! God has plans for you. You may feel like giving up. Like it’s too hard, but I’m telling you; stand up, and keep fighting, because your Gennesaret is coming!
So often in the midst of the battles and storms of life we say it’s the attack of the enemy, and sometimes it is. Heaven and Hell know your name. Satan knows who you are and what God’s placed inside of you, and he will do everything in his power to stop you from arriving at your intended destination.
BUT, sometimes the storm is strategically placed there by God. He’s preparing you mighty warrior to walk into who and what he’s created you to be. Pick up your sword and fight. You see, he’s already given you everything you need. Surrender it all. Put your five and two in his hands and see what happens.
I keep thinking about Acts 16 when Paul and Silas were in prison. It was almost midnight, there wasn’t a glimmer of the dawn light, but they praised!
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. 26 Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.
Maybe you’ve said, “God, what am I doing wrong? What am I not getting? I’m still stuck in the storm!” Friend, it’s not about you! It's about what he's going to do through you. You're the vessel. He knew you were a Paul, a Silas. He knew no matter what, you would stand and walk in his truth and righteous. That you would be the salt and light your world needs. Because you’re the only gospel some people will ever read.
And when those prison doors flew open and the shackles fell off, it wasn’t just Paul and Silas who found their freedom. It was every prisoner around them. It’s so much bigger than me and you! “Can you survive the gap between when you’re anointed and your appointment?” ~Pastor Mike Signorelli
~ It’s the multitude that’s the gift to the disciples. There were exactly 12 baskets left over. One for each of them.
Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Matthew 14:27 “But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
Jeremiah 32:17 “Oh, Lord God! You yourself made the heavens and earth by your great power and with your outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for you!”
Habakkuk 2:3 “Though it lingers, wait for it; It will certainly come and will not delay!”
Hebrews 10:23 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
Christine Caine- First Things First Devotional
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