Our Little Bit

In our fast paced world, technology changes so rapidly, things become obsolete before they have a chance to wear out.
The newest, the best, the latest, the most…superlatives that really tell us more about ourselves.
This “superlative mentality” tends to make us question if we really have that much to offer. Especially when we are operating very differently from the world.

In John’s gospel, we see the antithesis of the world’s operating system.

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do. Philip answered Him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite.” Another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”  (John 6:5-9)

How far indeed?

To the world, this meager offering has little value.
I can imagine Andrew being mocked for even suggesting this was a viable option.
I can imagine the media doing a report on the boy…about where he bought his fish, and the health benefits of barley loaves.

Totally missing the point.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two that heard what John [the Baptist] had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother, Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah (that is the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. (John 1:40-42)

Andrew had courage. He believed that Jesus was indeed the long awaited Messiah and he wasted no time to tell others about Him…starting with his own brother.
We know much about Peter, but little about Andrew.
Yet, Andrew’s little bit produced much Kingdom fruit.

We see Andrew, again, stepping forward with a boy whose little bit, a small lunch of fish and bread, will miraculously feed five thousand men, plus women and children.
Only in the hands of Jesus is this even possible.

I appreciate Andrew’s question, “…how far will they go among so many?”
When the other disciples worried about the cost, or the impossible situation before them, Andrew stepped out in faith…unsure of the HOW…but confident of the WHO.

Our little bit, in God’s hands, is miraculous.
It has nothing to do with us and everything to do with Him.

We need the boldness of Andrew to step out, even if it seems ridiculous and impossible, and trust that the same Lord Jesus, who took a little boy’s lunch and fed the multitudes, can take our meager offering and increase it for His Glory.

What little bit have you been keeping to yourself fearing that it would not measure up to the world’s operating system and therefore not be valued?

It probably won’t be valued in the superlative mentality of today’s culture.
But your little bit, in God’s hands, can:

• bring the Gospel to the four corners of the earth
• feed the poor
• take care of the sick
• encourage the disheartened
• change the opinion of an opponent
• plant Kingdom seeds for the harvest
• reach ONE person for Christ

The list is endless because it is HIS list.
Our job is to step up like Andrew.
We need courage to bring whatever meager offering we have and place it in the Sovereign hands of our Lord Jesus.

Then, sit back and watch what HE does.

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. 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. (John 6:10,11)

 

 

 

2 responses to “Our Little Bit”

1. Oh Gina! Thank you! A word granted when a word was so very needed!

   Reply

   • Cinda,
     How does God do that…at just the right time?
     HE is amazing!
     Gina

     Reply