God's Increase

And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased (John 6:2).

Large crowds began to follow Jesus around wanting to see the miracles He performed. In a way, He had become their entertainment. They wanted to be amazed by His feats, but they needed to open their hearts to Him. Some people choose their church today for the same reason. The preacher is a good speaker or the musicians know how to appeal to an audience. In other words, they choose their church for their entertainment, not for worshipping God, learning His truths, or growing in the Lord.

One of the disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: But what are they among so many? (John 6:8-9).

In this remote place, Jesus had compassion on the people and sought to meet their physical need for food, but little was available. Andrew knew of one boy who had brought his meal, but what would five tiny loaves of bread and two fish do among so many? Yet, the boy gave Jesus what he had. He, more than any of the others, stepped out in faith with his paltry offering. Each of us has something to offer in service to the Lord, even though it may seem inadequate and weak next to what's needed.

When they were filled he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten (John 6:12-13).

When we do what we can, meager though it might seem, God will often enlarge it beyond anything we would have expected. Then, it becomes a testimony to grow our faith, the faith of the ones we help, and the faith of those who see or hear of it. It becomes one of God's miracles, and all we can do is step back in wonderment and awe and thank Him for His blessings.

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