8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. 12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”
(John 6:8-12)
(John 6:8-12)
I smiled at my friend sitting across from me enjoying Sunday dinner on a Tuesday afternoon. "Food is always better the second or third day you eat it," she said in between chews. I guess it was extremely convenient, not having to cook anything during the mid-week that is. I can't say that I don't enjoy my mother's hearty spaghetti warmed up on the stove maybe two or three days later.
Even when Jesus fed five thousand people in John 6:12 , he told the disciples to "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." However, if we read in the beginning of that same chapter, we'll find a little boy with a mere five pieces of bread and two small fish. But when asked for his food, the boy was willing to give what he had. The bible tells us that "Passover," a feast of the Jews, was near. Therefore the young man must have been preparing to eat but came to see Jesus. Although there were thousands of people around him, the boy trusted Jesus and gave what he had.
The most remarkable thing to me is that Jesus went to this young boy. Out of five thousand men, He used the little food that the boy had, and made a surplus amount. The boy was faithful in little (Matthew 25:23), and God filled all of their bellies. God looks to do the same with us. With our praise, worship, gifts, and faithfulness, God would like to FILL US UP. But He would also like to use us to feed the numbers of people around us dying from starvation. Those that are so malnourished and haven't quite been equipped with the same qualities. If we are willing, we can be made into vessels! We can be treasure chests filled to the brim with all of those fruits of the spirit.
In order to honor God's glory we must give the best of our lives. Before God we should lay sacrifices that any dignitary would be honored to even lay eyes on. We can not get comfortable with giving Him the leftovers of our lives. Giving God what we really do not need or want, actually is not giving at all. So lets take notes from the young boy who gave what he had, or even Mary who anointed Jesus' feet with the most costly oil she had (John 12:3). God bless you! Happy giving! Love you.
Even when Jesus fed five thousand people in John 6:12 , he told the disciples to "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." However, if we read in the beginning of that same chapter, we'll find a little boy with a mere five pieces of bread and two small fish. But when asked for his food, the boy was willing to give what he had. The bible tells us that "Passover," a feast of the Jews, was near. Therefore the young man must have been preparing to eat but came to see Jesus. Although there were thousands of people around him, the boy trusted Jesus and gave what he had.
The most remarkable thing to me is that Jesus went to this young boy. Out of five thousand men, He used the little food that the boy had, and made a surplus amount. The boy was faithful in little (Matthew 25:23), and God filled all of their bellies. God looks to do the same with us. With our praise, worship, gifts, and faithfulness, God would like to FILL US UP. But He would also like to use us to feed the numbers of people around us dying from starvation. Those that are so malnourished and haven't quite been equipped with the same qualities. If we are willing, we can be made into vessels! We can be treasure chests filled to the brim with all of those fruits of the spirit.
In order to honor God's glory we must give the best of our lives. Before God we should lay sacrifices that any dignitary would be honored to even lay eyes on. We can not get comfortable with giving Him the leftovers of our lives. Giving God what we really do not need or want, actually is not giving at all. So lets take notes from the young boy who gave what he had, or even Mary who anointed Jesus' feet with the most costly oil she had (John 12:3). God bless you! Happy giving! Love you.