Proximity to Jesus: The Key to Miraculous Multiplication
Summary
In the message delivered by Tirsha Thornbury, the focus is on the theme of abundance and the importance of being near to the source of that abundance. The narrative begins with a recounting of the biblical story of Jesus feeding the 5,000, as told in the Passion Translation. The crowd followed Jesus because of the miracles and healings they witnessed, but the emphasis is placed on their desire to be near him. This nearness is highlighted as essential for the supernatural multiplication of blessings in one's life, whether it be influence, career, or other areas. The proximity to Jesus is vital because without it, the weight of multiplication could become crushing.
The message further explores the concept of desolate places, suggesting that sometimes individuals are led into isolated or disconnected situations as a precursor to experiencing a miracle. These moments of feeling far from comforts and securities are presented as opportunities to trust in the divine rather than scrambling for human-made solutions. The story of Jesus asking Philip where to buy food for the crowd is used to illustrate the idea that Jesus often includes individuals in his plans to stretch their faith, even though he already knows the outcome.
The narrative continues with the account of a young person offering five barley loaves and two small fish, which Jesus uses to feed the multitude. This act serves as a reminder to remember who one's partner is in life, especially in moments of perceived lack. The divine is portrayed as the one who thrives in making the impossible possible, and the message encourages gratitude and stewardship for the abundance given by God. The act of giving thanks before the miracle is emphasized, as is the importance of not wasting what is provided but rather sharing it with others.
The concept of healthy growth is also discussed, with the assertion that healthy things grow. This growth is not just in numbers but in depth, leading to a more profound impact and influence. The message touches on the structure of the church and the implementation of a model where all members are equipped for ministry, rather than a few leaders at the front. This structure is designed to prevent people from feeling disconnected as the community grows.
The message also addresses the issue of comparison, which is described as a killer of satisfaction. The idea that there is more than enough for everyone is stressed, and the only thing that can prevent one from being satisfied is ceasing to partake in what is good. The message concludes with a call to be good stewards of what is given and to trust in the divine for miracles, while also being open to building structure in life to facilitate the workings of the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways:
- Nearness to the divine is crucial for the multiplication of blessings in one's life. Just as the crowd sought to be near Jesus to witness his miracles, individuals today must draw close to the source of their faith to experience the fullness of divine multiplication. This proximity is not just physical but spiritual, requiring a heart aligned with divine purposes. [01:38:15]
- Desolate places in one's life can be the setting for divine miracles. These moments of isolation or disconnection are not to be feared but embraced as opportunities for growth and reliance on the divine. Trusting in the divine during these times can lead to profound experiences of faith and transformation. [01:39:27]
- The principle of divine partnership is a reminder that in moments of lack or impossibility, one is not alone. The divine thrives in making the impossible possible, and remembering this partnership can provide strength and hope in challenging circumstances. [01:41:10]
- Gratitude is a powerful precursor to witnessing miracles. Giving thanks before the miracle occurs is an act of faith that acknowledges the divine's ability to provide and multiply blessings. This attitude of thankfulness can shift perspectives and open the heart to receive what is yet to come. [01:42:52]
- Comparison can hinder one's ability to appreciate the abundance that is already present. Recognizing that there is more than enough for everyone allows individuals to focus on their blessings rather than envying others. Satisfaction comes from continuing to partake in the goodness that is offered, rather than withdrawing and feeling unsatisfied. [01:44:38]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
John 6:1-14 (NIV)
1 Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias),
2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick.
3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples.
4 The Jewish Passover Festival was near.
5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?”
6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
7 Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”
8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up,
9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there).
11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”
13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
14 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.”
Observation Questions:
1. What prompted the great crowd to follow Jesus, and what does this indicate about their expectations?
2. How did Jesus involve His disciples in the miracle of feeding the 5,000, and what was His purpose in doing so?
3. After the people were fed, what instruction did Jesus give His disciples regarding the leftovers, and what might this signify?
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the crowd's pursuit of Jesus for miracles reflect our own reasons for seeking Him, and what might be the deeper significance of their desire for physical proximity?
2. Considering Jesus' interaction with Philip and the subsequent miracle, what can we learn about the role of faith and participation in God's work?
3. What does the gathering of the leftovers teach us about God's provision and our responsibility towards His blessings?
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt spiritually or emotionally isolated. How can you see this as an opportunity for God to work in your life, and what steps can you take to trust Him more in this area?
2. Think of a time when you were called to participate in something that seemed beyond your capacity. How can you step out in faith this week in a similar situation, trusting that God will multiply your efforts?
3. Identify a blessing or resource you have received recently. How can you be a good steward of this blessing and share it with others in the coming days?
4. What is something you are praying for right now? How can you express gratitude to God for this, even before you see the outcome?
5. Consider the concept of "more than enough." Is there an area of your life where you have ceased to partake in what God provides? How can you re-engage with His provision this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Proximity to Jesus Cultivates Miracles
Drawing near to Jesus is the catalyst for supernatural occurrences in our lives. As we seek closeness with Christ, we become conduits for His miraculous works, not only witnessing His power but also learning to manage the blessings He bestows upon us. This proximity prepares us for the responsibilities that accompany divine multiplication. [01:38:15]
James 4:8 - "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally draw closer to Jesus this week, and how might this change your expectations for experiencing God's work in your life?
Day 2: Embracing Desolation for Divine Encounters
Desolate places, whether physical or spiritual, are often where God's presence is most profoundly experienced. In these moments of solitude and apparent scarcity, faith is refined, and reliance on God's provision becomes paramount. These settings can become the stage for God's miraculous interventions in our lives. [01:38:52]
Hosea 2:14 - "Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her."
Reflection: Can you identify a 'desolate place' in your life right now? How can you open yourself up to God's work in this space?
Day 3: Faithful Participation in God's Miracles
Active faith invites us to participate in the unfolding of God's miracles. Like the disciples who distributed the loaves and fish, our involvement in God's work allows us to witness His power firsthand. This participation requires a step of faith, trusting that God will do the impossible through our willing hands. [01:40:01]
2 Kings 4:5 - "So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring."
Reflection: What is one step of faith you can take today to become an active participant in God's miraculous work around you?
Day 4: Stewardship of God's Abundant Blessings
God's provision is abundant, and with it comes the responsibility of stewardship. The collection of leftovers in the feeding of the 5,000 teaches us that God's blessings are to be managed wisely and shared generously. As stewards, we are called to extend the goodness we receive to others, multiplying the impact of God's grace. [01:45:53]
1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
Reflection: Reflect on the blessings you've received recently. How can you steward these gifts to serve others in your community?
Day 5: Anticipatory Gratitude Opens Doors to Miracles
Gratitude is a powerful expression of faith, acknowledging God's role as our provider even before we see the outcome. Thanking God in advance aligns our hearts with His will and prepares us to receive His blessings. This anticipatory thankfulness is a testament to our trust in His faithfulness. [01:42:52]
Colossians 4:2 - "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful."
Reflection: What miracle or provision are you waiting for? How can you express gratitude to God today, even before it comes to pass?
Quotes
1) "Nearness is necessary for multiplication if you want him to supernaturally multiply anything in your life, your influence, your career, whatever it is, nearness to him is vital or else the multiplication can actually crush you." [01:38:15]
2) "Sometimes God actually allows us into remote, desolate, separated, sometimes empty feeling, far away, disconnected places in order for the miracle to come." [01:39:27]
3) "Most of the time Jesus already knows the plans, he just wants to include you. So say yes, and allow your faith... it's actually your faith that they could have stepped on the outside and gone 'you do your thing,' okay, but instead they step in." [01:40:01]
4) "Remember who your business partner is, amen. Remember who the one is that you've chosen to connect your life with... He's the one who can make the impossible possible, in fact, he thrives in those situations." [01:41:10]
5) "Give thanks before the miracle. Don't wait. Many of us want to go 'God please, please, please, please,' and we're so upset, and we don't know why he's not doing it... but we need to go 'Thank you, God, that you are a god of miracles.'" [01:42:52]
6) "Comparison is a killer. If you sit back going 'yeah but look what God's done for that person and what about me,' there is more than enough for everyone... the only thing that could have stopped anyone in that crowd from walking away unsatisfied is if they stopped eating." [01:44:38]
7) "Don't ever waste an opportunity to share God's goodness, to share what he's doing in your life. Be a good steward of what he's given you and also step in with where he's calling you, trust him for the miracle." [01:45:53]
8) "We're getting ready for multiplication as a church and not only multiplication in numbers but multiplication in depth, to actually be and step out as the people that God has called us to be." [01:32:31]
9) "Healthy things grow, and that's why it's so important that we work on as a church and as individuals, are we healthy? Because if we're healthy, if we're healed, if we're allowing our hearts and our souls and our minds to be sanctified by him, we will grow." [01:28:26]
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