“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
John 6:9 NIV
What do you do when a crowd unexpectedly shows up at your house at lunchtime? The day before you go grocery shopping. And all that is left in the pantry is a few crackers and a can of sardines.
That is essentially what the disciples were faced with here. A crowd had gathered around Jesus, and he wanted to feed them. So he got the disciples involved. Where will we get enough food in the wilderness to feed 5000 men and their families?
Andrew came up with a boy who had lunch he was willing to share. But it was only five small barley loaves and two small fish. Adequate for a small boy. But woefully inadequate for the current need.
But Jesus took that offering, blessed it, broke it, and had it passed out. The crowd ate all they wanted. And then twelve basketfuls of pieces were picked up.
Give God What You Have
It would be easy to find this an exciting story and impressive miracle, but not necessarily something relevant today. And that would be a mistake. Like the small boy in the story, you may not have much to give. But God can use even that small amount to accomplish great things.
Be willing to give what you have to the Lord, whether it is time, money, or ability. It may not produce such dramatic results as this miracle. And it may seem insignificant to you, like the widow’s two little coins (Mark 12:41-44). But it is not insignificant to God. He will take it, multiply it, and use it in his kingdom. And you will be blessed.
