Methods have changed over the years, but the
message has hopefully remained the same. We want to introduce children to God,
the Bible, and Jesus. We use many creative ways in doing so. Somewhere during
all the crafts, games, songs, and skits, the great stories of the Bible are
told. I dare say that is where most people receive their basic theology. Songs
tell us about Jesus’ love, letting our little lights shine, and of course the
B-I-B-L-E song creates lasting impressions for all of us. Many start their
Christian walks by making decisions to follow Christ during these types of
events.
A problem develops as we grow older, when
our faith and Bible knowledge stays “childlike”. The stories we heard about
Noah and the Ark ,
Jonah and the whale, baby Moses, and Jesus’ miracles are wonderful, but as we
mature as believers our understanding of God’s Word must grow too. A deeper
understanding of the Word of God can only occur if we spend time hearing,
reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on it. The account of Jesus
feeding over 5,000 people is one of these stories. We learn as children about
Jesus’ love, using a little boy’s lunch, and the great miracle that followed.
By digging deeper into this passage we can learn Biblical truths that give us
direction, and help us grow in Christ.
We can learn
lessons in giving, receiving, and blessings when we are doing God’s work. First
we must be willing to give wholeheartedly to the work of the Lord. The boy in this story gave
all he had to Jesus. In his eyes and those around him it sure didn’t seem like
much, but because of his faithfulness, and belief that Christ can truly do all
things, something unexpected was about to occur. In our lives, we may feel that
what we have to give isn’t much, but when we give it all to Him, heaven
rejoices. What in your life have you not turned over to the Lord for His
kingdom’s work? He is waiting for you.
The Lord will receive from us what is given to
do His work. If you notice, Jesus didn’t go looking for food, but accepted what
was offered to Him. God is funny like that. He told a group of church people
one time that after a poor widow gave a couple of coins in the collection plate
that she was the greatest giver. Why? Because she gave all she had. Jesus wants us to give our gifts of service,
money, talents, and resources to do His work. When we have that same giving
heart as the widow, God will accept it, multiply it, and allow us have it back
to use it in ways we can never imagine.
It says that Jesus took the fish and loaves
and blessed them, and then He gave it back to them. The disciples distributed
the food, everyone ate all they could, and there were 12 baskets of leftovers! When
Jesus blesses what we have entrusted to Him, it will come back to us many times
over. Just think about what God can do with your offering. Probably something
we could never expect, but will be amazed at what He can do through willing
followers. Are you ready to accept Jesus’ blessing? Let’s follow His plan, church! It will be the greatest adventure we have ever been on. Amen?
