Banquet on the Grass | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Banquet on the Grass | Previous Challenge Entry
By Shanta Richard
07/11/12
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The sun shone brightly on the plateau of Bashan. The crystal dew drops shining like diamonds on the emerald green carpet of grass slowly disappeared in the heat of the day, leaving the earth damp and cool. Little yellow butterflies flitted amidst the white star like flowers blooming in the grass. A gentle breeze created ripples on the face of the Sea of Galilee, as it blew over carrying the moisture of the waters onto the grass land beyond.

The peace and quiet of the day was disturbed as a crowd of people arrived on the scene. They were a diverse group – some were old, some were young, some were sick and crippled, and some were parents with children. They were tired, having walked along the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Like the wise men of the East who years ago followed the star across the desert these men were following the boat that carried Jesus Christ across the Sea of Galilee. They were a multitude of needy people seeking the only One who could supply their needs.

Jesus had just heard of the brutal murder of John, the Baptist, by King Herod. Distressed and troubled in spirit He had sought to go to a quiet solitary place to pray and grieve for His cousin. Instead when He reached the shore, he was greeted by a noisy multitude. However, His heart filled with pity and compassion when He saw the eager anticipation in their faces. He sat down with them on the grassy slopes and preached to them about Kingdom of God. He consoled the sorrowing and healed the sick.

The cool afternoon breeze started to blow from the sea. Soon it would be evening. The disciples knew that they were far from any place where they could get food and shelter. These people would have to be sent home before it was too late.
But Jesus said, “These people are tired and hungry. Feed them before they go.”
“Feed them!” they exclaimed. “We have no food or money to buy food for this crowd. All we have is only five loaves of barley bread and two fish. What can we do?”
“Bring me the food and seat the people in groups of fifty,” Jesus said. He blessed the food and giving it to the disciples told them to serve the people. Jesus performed the miracle. Every man woman and child was fed and the remnants were collected in twelve baskets. The sleepy stars awoke to the joyful songs of praise from a happy people as they walked home satisfied in body and soul.

Thus ended the greatest picnic ever recorded in human history. It was a banquet on the grass lands on the plateau of Bashan, hosted by the Son of God. It was not a picnic with barbequed chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, potato salads, watermelons, soda and lemonade. It was a meal of barley bread and fish, the poor man’s food. But it was from heaven, blessed by God. I am sure it must have tasted divine.

I love picnics – with family, friends and church. It is a rollicking frolicking time. We do pray and sing hymns. But some how I fail to feel the presence of God. I wonder if there are picnics in Heaven. I sure would love to participate in one.

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