I have had the privilege of teaching Sunday school to elementary girls for many years. The ages of those in my class range from ages six to eleven. It has been such a joy to watch them grow physically and spiritually. As a Sunday school teacher, I have watched these young ladies make big decisions for God. To see them walk forward to the church altar and give their lives to God at such a young age gives my heart so much joy. I enjoy getting a text from a parent that says, “My daughter has made some changes in their life. She wants to live right and do right. Will you keep praying for her?” All of these decisions are important in the life of a Christian, and for them to make these choices while they are young is so wonderful. One of the girls in my class recently has taken it upon herself to write notes of encouragement to our church family. No matter how they do it, it is evident that these young people have a desire and a willingness to serve the Lord.
The Bible says in John 6:8-9, One of his 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? This lunch was all this boy had brought to eat that day. The Bible does not say whether or not anyone else had brought a lunch. It only tells us that this boy had five loaves and two fishes. Was he the only one willing to give Jesus his lunch? The chapter then continues in verses 10-13, And Jesus said, Make the men sit down…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…and filled twelve baskets…over and above… What childlike faith this boy had shown that day! He gave his “all” to Jesus, then Jesus performed a miracle over and above what that humble, little lunch could have provided.
God made all of us special. He made us in such a way that we all can do something for Him. Have we become so cold to the things of God that we just hold on to our five loaves and two fishes? Some may say, “Someone else can give Jesus his lunch, but I am keeping mine.” Are we really giving Him everything, or are we only giving Him some of our lunch?
As the new year is upon us, let this be a good reminder from a little boy with a small lunch and a willing heart. We can give God our “all” because He gave us the greatest gift of all, Jesus!
by Mandy Harper
