Pastor Rich's Sermon - August 4, 2002

When was the last time you were called upon by God to feed 5,000 men as well as whatever women and children were present?

As good as Dot Madell is I think even Dot would have some difficulty with that task.

But the truth is everyday, you and I are called upon by God to feed the millions of people starving and dying of hunger in the world.   Right now, you and I are being called by God to feed the hungry.   We see the face of hunger in the bloated bellies of children in TV commercials and newspaper ads.   We see the look of hunger in the jobless standing at the intersection holding a sign, “Will work for food.” We see the image of hunger in the beggar soliciting you for a quarter for a cup of coffee.

In the past two years God has allowed me to travel to Israel, England, Mexico, Alaska, Italy, and Bermuda.   It did not matter where I was; I was confronted with a hungry face, an appeal for money.

When Diane and I were in Italy, every morning we were confronted by a woman sitting on the cement sidewalk propped up against the stonewall of a building holding an infant soliciting money with a McDonald’s cup.   This scene was repeated throughout the city of Rome.   Just like it was repeated in Oxford, London, Acapulco, Anchorage, and New York City.   And if you think that just because we don’t see a beggar in Milltown, that there aren’t hungry people in Milltown, you are wrong.

“Jesus replied,

‘They do not need to go away.
You give them something to eat.’”

The disciples said,

“We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish.”

Was their response based on a sense of helplessness or selfishness? Was the disciple’s objection based on their lack of resources or was it motivated on their thinking, that if we give it to them what will we eat?

Unfortunately the face of hunger has become an accepted part of the scenery in any city. The hungry are too often looked upon with distain. The city should do something about the homeless problem. They should get a job. These and other sentiments are echoed through the world. Everyone agrees that hunger is a problem and that something should be done. Where we disagree is what should be done and who should do it.

“Jesus replied,

‘They do not need to go away.
You give them something to eat.’”

While I have been spending a good portion talking about world hunger. This sermon is not about world hunger.   World hunger is a symptom of a much greater problem.

I am certain that the vast majority of people like you and I feel sorry for those in need.   After all, even the disciples felt sorry for them. Weren’t the disciples the ones who brought it to Jesus’ attention that it was getting late?   Weren’t the disciples the ones who brought it to Jesus’ attention that they were in a remote place?   Weren’t the disciples the ones who brought it to Jesus’ attention the need for the people to go into town and get supper?

It wasn’t as if the disciples were heartless.   I think we at least have this in common with the disciples, we feel sorry for the less fortunate, for the hungry.

It is not enough to feel sorry.   We are called to follow not the disciples but Jesus.   Jesus did not feel sorry for the people.   Jesus had compassion.   Compassion is more than sorrow, it is sorrow accompanied by an urge to help.

Compassion is not foreign to you.   On September 11th it was evident. When the Simon’s home burned down again it was evident.   In those times of crisis, there were no buts, no excuses.   Limited resources were not an issue. Yet today almost eight times the number of people that died on September 11th will die of hunger.   You won’t read about the 24,000 deaths in any paper, or hear about it on tonight’s news.   Have we lost the ability to even feel sorry for the hungry?

I would wish that you would feel uncomfortable every time a person confronts you in need.   I would hope that it would cause you to wrestle with God, like Jacob wrestled with God.   God what am I to do?

“Jesus replied,

‘They do not need to go away.
You give them something to eat.’”

Feeding the hungry is not the main point of Jesus feeding the 5,000. The main point is that we are to have compassion for others. We are to offer our time, talent, and treasure to the service and glory of God and the edification of all people. It is not enough to offer our sorrow we must offer our compassion.

“Jesus replied,

‘They do not need to go away.
You give them something to eat.’”

If you are bold enough to pray and ask God, why is there world hunger? Why is there violence? Why is there suffering? Don’t be surprised if God answers your prayer saying,

“You tell Me why?