John 6:10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 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. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
This passage of scripture teaches us that God is a God of order, and that anything that is associated with His kingdom, must be done in an orderly manner, for this is representative of His sacred character, and as such is to be seen across the entire spectrum of His creation. Note well that Christ did not utilize the first-come, first-served method that is often employed by the human agent, for if He were to use this method, only the strong would survive, and the elderly and children would not stand a chance against those who were more fit, and prone to fight for what they desire.
The first-come, first-served method often ends in a stampede, as was the case with the impotent man, who for several years, had been trying to enter the renowned pool of Siloam, when the angel came down once a year to trouble the waters. Let's read:
John 5:2Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool".... 3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
But this is not the only lesson to be derived from our passage for today, for we see again, that whenever the bread of life is given to us, it is our sacred obligation to then distribute it to the multitudes, so that they too can be fed. This principle applies for both spiritual and temporal food, for the way God works is to give to us, so that we in turn may give to others. The habit of hoarding is contrary to the principle of love, upon which the kingdom of heaven is founded, and thus, it behooves us to share continually, the bounties and spiritual blessings which God has bestowed upon us. This is not merely a "Good idea", it is a positive command, coming from the Lord Jesus, Himself. Let's read:
Matthew 10:5These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
Another important lesson to be derived from the feeding of the multitude, is that we should cultivate habits of cleanliness, by cleaning up after we have made a mess. After the people had eaten, there were many fragments strewn all over the ground, and had these been left there, they would have encouraged flies, and worms, and bad stenches, all of which would not be representative of The King of kings.
Glorifying God means much more than merely singing His praises, for it includes applying the principles of His kingdom in all that we think, do, or say. The habit of keeping our surroundings in an untidy manner, misrepresents our faith, just as much as if we were to bear false witness to our neighbors and friends. Indeed, uncleanliness is a form of bearing false witness, for it says to unbelievers that this is how God operates.
Every aspect of Christ's ministry was fraught with lessons in the spiritual and temporal realms, and it is our duty and privilege to emulate as far as possible, whatsoever we have seen Jesus do, for the word "Christian" means little Christ, and the word "Disciple", is from the same root as discipline. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which incorporates the very basic principles of cleanliness, order, and dispatch, for all of these go a very long way in making us efficient workers for The God whom we serve. Let's read:
1st Corinthians 14:33For God is not the author of confusion".... "as in all churches of the saints. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and practice of His every word. God bless!