Phillip’s Folly “’Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me, saying, ‘Give us meat that we may eat!’” (Numbers 11:13, NASB95) The words of Moses, questioning God about the source of meat for the congregation of Israel displayed a lack of faith in God’s ability to complete that which He begins. If God has said the people will arrive safely in the Promised Land, then Moses has no need to doubt God’s ability to provide along the journey. But if Moses was obligated to faith, what about Phillip? Yes, I mean the Apostle Phillip, the “Israelite in whom there is no guile?” At the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus repeated Moses’ words to Phillip as a test. “Where are we to buy bread, so that these may eat?”(John 6:5, NASB95). You may remember that Phillip failed the test, saying that 200 Dinari (almost a year’s wage) would not be enough to provide even a snack for the crowd. After Jesus fed the 5,000, He made clear reference to the Manna from heaven, forever connecting the two stories. One must wonder why Phillip did not respond by saying, “Well, Master, the last time Your people were asking that question, God provided quail from Heaven, so I am sure this time God can provide as well.” After all, this episode was much less dire in need—the people only needing lunch, not continual provision. Did Phillip fail the test because he did not know his Bible stories? Perhaps! And if Phillip failed the test because of lack of Bible knowledge…what about you?
Posted on: Sun, 06 Oct 2013 11:50:38 +0000
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