Jesus did not produce bread out of thin air, when feeding the five thousand. He started out with a small amount, provided by a boy. Thereby hangs a tale with a hundred meanings. Just think about it for a moment – five thousand men plus mothers with children had followed Jesus. Had no one other than a small boy brought anything to eat?
Surely at least a few others must have been the kind who would pay attention to practical matters. Yet the disciples only found one boy who would let them have anything. That boy made it possible for the greatest miracle over nature since creation to take place, enjoying an unrepeatable and exclusive privilege. What a tale he would have to tell for the rest of his life!
If others had brought something with them to eat, they kept it to themselves. So imagine how they must have felt when the disciples gave them bread and fish from the boy’s packed lunch. Jesus could have used their sandwiches but they let the opportunity slip by – not the opportunity of a lifetime but of all time.
Givers never go short. God does not write checks or drop cash from the windows of heaven. He has already put everything that we need on this earth and given us the ability to acquire wealth. God relies on us for his plan and purpose. He gives so that we can give, demonstrating our trustworthiness, to bring about His will and purpose. We are to be agents of providence. Physical or material needs can be met only through us.
In other words, His plan is for us to cooperate with Him, with his providential care. If, like the boy at Galilee, we only have a little to give, we do not need to worry: the Lord can make a lot out of a little. With what we give the Lord can do what we never could. Are you blessed?
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