LEFTOVER BLESSINGS!

LEFTOVER BLESSINGS!

John 6:12-13

12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

13 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.

1 Tim 6:17-19

17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

          Yesterday’s Thanksgiving feast has both filled us and provided enough for today and, perhaps, tomorrow. The little boy’s fish and barley cakes proved to be enough only when given to the master. The message of overabundance is that there may yet be a need to share and a want to relieve! Jesus, who has taken our little and made it much, urges us to carefully avoid waste.

          When we have plenty, we must guard our thinking. Arrogance is easily visible and universally detested. Arrogance, according to Merriam-Webster is “offensively exaggerating one’s own importance.” It grows in the soil of assumed privilege.

          Timothy was urged to remind the rich that everything they had came from a generous God who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Go ahead and enjoy what you have been given – but remember that it is within the power of your hand to relieve suffering and to share.

William Cowper wrote this very old hymn (1779). The first verse says …

God gives His mercies to be spent;
Your hoard will do your soul no good.
Gold is a blessing only lent,
Repaid by giving others food.

Dear Lord, let us be mindful of others in need. AMEN