Loaves, fishes, and mega-stores.

Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 17:1-7, 15; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21

Many things that happen to one happen to all. Jacob wrestles with an angel. He--and ultimately the people--receive the name Israel. Jesus has compassion for a hungry crowd. Jesus alone breaks and blesses the bread, but 5,000--"besides women and children"--eat until they are full (Matthew 14:21).

Ethical Christians discern each decision and action. They ask how solitary behaviors impact maybe hundreds or thousands of others. They intentionally seek ways of doing good to impact the multitude.

Jesus' action with the loaves and fishes was not intended to impress others with his transformative powers. He acted so that all would have plenty of food. In that spirit, consider the massive Wal-Mart corporation. How does each decision affect the multitude, right where they live?

Wal-Mart generated $288 billion in revenue last year and $10.3 billion in profit, up 16 percent from the previous year. They hope to add 350 stores this year to their current 3,703. The average Wal-Mart wage is $9.68 per hour, and only half of its workers receive health insurance from the company.

The psalmist says, "Hear a just cause, O Lord', attend to my cry" (Psalm 17:1). That all might have what they need, we continue the journey with Jesus: "When he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them ..." (Matthew 14:14).