A Desert Place

Luke 9:10-17 (KJV)

And the apostles, when they were returned, told him all that they had done. And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.

And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.

But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.

For they were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, Make them sit down by fifties in a company.

And they did so, and made them all sit down.

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 they did eat, and were all filled: and there was taken up of fragments that remained to them twelve baskets.

It happens that, as I write this, I am in a "desert place belonging to the state of Washington near the city of Enumclaw."[1]

Perhaps they had parks in Jesus' day too!

Jesus had taken a small group with Him. But more had assembled over time. He used the opportunity to:

• Be alone and rest
• Speak to the people about the kingdom of God
• Heal those who needed it
• Pray

And then,

• He fed them

We've not had any healings up here, but we've experienced everything else!

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[1] Camping at Konasket-Palmer State Park, outside of Enumclaw, Washington