Devotion 03 February 2026

Give it to the people and let them eat, for thus says the Lord, ‘They shall eat and have some left.’ (v. 43)

READING: 2 Kings 4: 42-44

We can read twice of Jesus feeding multitudes with a few loaves and fish (Matthew 14:13-21 and 15:32-39), but today we read of God using Elisha to do a similar miracle hundreds of years before Jesus. This is a story of God’s providing for his people even when opportunity and resources seem scarce. They’ve only got a few barley loaves, in a land in the grip of famine. In those days barley would be seen as a basic foodstuff, perhaps used to feed animals rather than people. Simple plain barley loaves aren’t much to work with, but this is in part a story of how God doesn’t need much to work with.

The story also leads us to consider concepts such as generosity and provision on the part of God, and trust and obedience on Elisha’s part. Elisha trusts that God will follow through with this miraculous feeding of 100 men and demonstrates obedience as he distributes the food as an act of faith.

Elisha’s following through on God’s action leads to not only a practical outcome of plentiful food, but an opportunity for Elisha to witness to God’s power and grace. It shows how an act of faith and generosity can have a significant impact.

We may think that we are not up to much, just one person, and with limited resources. But God doesn’t need much to work with, He just needs a willing and compassionate heart, trust in God and obedience to His direction.

Prayer

God, ever present, though not always seen, I thank you for the stories of your abundant provision for people throughout history. Please help me to grapple the tensions of all that needs doing around me so that I can become part of the act of providing for those in need. In the name of Jesus, Amen.