The Miracle in the Lunchbox

The Miracle in the Lunchbox

“Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. ‘There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?’” John 6:8-9 (New Living Translation)

The account of Jesus miraculously feeding five thousand men (in addition to women and children) is widely known and can be found in all four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and here in John). The Scripture tells of how a huge crowd followed Jesus. He had compassion for them, so He taught them and healed those who were sick. This He did for the majority of the day. Matthew’s account describes the location as a remote place, and the time as being late (Matthew 14:15). Instead of sending them away to buy food, Jesus wanted to feed them. To that Philip replied, “Even if we worked for months, we wouldn’t have enough money to feed them” (John 6:7 NLT)! Andrew pointed out their limited supply of food – five barley loaves and two fish. To which Andrew said, “What good is that with this huge crowd” (John 6:9 NLT)?

Both Philip and Andrew’s responses were practical and true, but not the Truth! Their reply considered only what they themselves were capable of doing. They did not consider Jesus’ power, even though He was right in their midst. Just prior to this event, the disciples were on a ministry tour commissioned by Jesus. After their ministry of healing the sick and casting out demons, Jesus allowed the disciples an opportunity to demonstrate faith in using what they had to feed the crowds.

The wicked servant with the talent hid what he had (Matthew 25:14-30). Esau despised what he had and sold it (Genesis 25:34). What are you doing with what you have? Whatever God has given you is significant, and can be used not only to bless you, but to bless others as well. The Bible says, “To each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it” (Ephesians 4:7 NIV). And again in 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV), “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” We each have special talents and abilities that God has given us for His service (see Romans 12:3-8 for some examples). Let this be the year that you use every God-given gift for His glory!

The need may be great, but God is greater! Rejoice in what you have. It may seem insufficient, but don’t hide it. Bless it, thank God for it! It's only insufficient when it's kept in your hands.

Send this message to a Friend, and go take charge of the weekend!

Be Blessed,
Katishia Gallishaw
Revival Time Internet Ministries