And Looking Up to Heaven

 

Five little words.  

It's a scripture story I've heard hundreds of times.  

It's a passage I've read dozens of times. 

But this time I was pointed toward five little words that I hadn't zeroed in on before. 

The loaves and the fishes.  The crowd of five thousand hungry people who the disciples were ready to send home.  And Jesus.

I knew the boy brought the loaves and fishes.  I've pondered many times on the beauty in using the smallest of contributions to accomplish greatness when it's all we have. 

I knew Jesus was the miracle worker.  That it was his power that brought about the miracle and that the crowds were fed with baskets left over.  There is more than enough when we trust in Jesus.

But the five little words in the middle were something I had apparently glosses over.  In Luke 9:16 we read, "Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude."

...and looking up to Heaven....

When faced with a difficult situation the Savior of the world himself looks at what the need is, at whats available and then he looks to Heaven.  He looks to his Father for guidance, for confirmation, for help.  He looks up.  

We also have been counseled to look up by various leaders and prophets in various ways.  But there is something profound in this simplicity.  In the first hand account of someone who watched it happen.  Who watched Jesus look at the people in their hunger and the meager offering of the boy and then watched him pause and gaze heavenward; to turn his eyes upward and seek for light and power.

...and looking up to Heaven....

That is what I want to do.  When things are good.  When things are hard.  When things are devastating.  When things are joyful.  When things seem hopeless.  When things seem confusing. 

Look for the need.  Look for possibilities no matter how small.  And look up to Heaven.