John 6:5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
This passage of scripture teaches us several spiritual lessons, and even some in the temporal realm, for it is often the case that the seeds of truth are sown in both areas of our lives. The first lesson has to do with Christ's concern for both the spiritual well-being of those He came to save, and also their physical welfare, for both are closely intertwined. The multitudes had been listening attentively to the words of life as they fell from the lips of Jesus, and after several hours had elapsed, the people were now hungry and weary. But instead of sending them off on hungry stomachs, He decided to feed them, thus bringing to a climactic close, the events of that day. Let's read:
John 6:11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
As Christians, we should not only be concerned with the spiritual needs of the people we seek to save, but we should also concern ourselves with their temporal needs, and following in the footsteps of Christ, should make ample provision for their material necessities, whenever, and wherever we can.
But in seeking to feed the multitudes, Jesus gave us a very important lesson in the temporal realm, for He could have called food out of thin air in abundance, but this is not His usual manner of working, for He teaches us by precept and example, that all available resources must be exhausted first, before God's omnipotent power is exercised to do what the human agent can't. Thus in keeping with this working principle, Christ seeks for any resources that are at hand, so that omnipotence can multiply, thus taking up the slack. This is a very important principle which should be thoroughly understood by one and all.
Whenever there is a need to be filled, we should pray that God will shew us any available resources we can put our hands on, and if there are any to be found, we should then utilize them to the maximum, before expecting God to engage His supernatural power. A thorough understanding of this principle will save us from the common practice of presumption, by which we may be in dire straits, but may make no serious effort to supply our needs, simply because we expect God to do what we can do for ourselves. God never dispenses with what the human agent can do, for everything in the spiritual and temporal realm is always done through our cooperation with God, for we cannot reasonably expect Him to do, what He has already given us the power and ability to perform.
In the days of Elijah the prophet, there was a woman who had carefully used the little food that was her meager lot, until the time came, when on account of the severe drought, her stores were about to dry up, she being down to her last meal. But instead of murmuring at home in her rocking chair, and saying "Why me", she instead uses her last energies to gather sticks so that she could bake her last cake for herself and her son, after which, the grave would be staring her in the face. And it was at this point of utter extremity, that the power of God was engaged in her behalf, for Elijah was sent her way in the fullness of time, and because of her kindness and God's providence, she and her entire household were furnished with food for the remainder of the famine.
Whenever there is some task to perform that may seem daunting, or wherever there may be a dire need in our lives, let us therefore seek to incorporate this vital principle, by utilizing all of our available resources, and then we can pray in confidence, knowing that God will take up the slack, according as He sees fit. But let us at least be found following the principle mentioned, for by so doing, we will have the confidence of knowing that we are working in harmony with God's plan of action, and thus we can expect Him to do what we cannot do for ourselves.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms this sacred truth, and it is the will of God that it be now implemented across the board, in every aspect of our daily experiences. Let's read:
Philippians 2:12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!