July 5

God's Bountiful Provision

They did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. — Matt 14:20

When God is Host, there is enough for all! Probably the disciples at first doled out the supplies with great care, but as they discovered that group after group were provided for, their faith increased, and they became lavish in their distribution. Every appetite could enjoy bread and fish, and there was plenty of it. God’s supplies are as great as the demand; nay, greater, for He is able to make all grace abound toward each soul of man.

But though there was prolific provision, there was wise administration, and prudent husbanding of what was left. “Gather up the fragments,” said the Master (Joh 6:12). It is marvellous to notice in the world of nature, how careful the Creator is that what might seem to be refuse should be wrought into new texture. Even the body, when it has fulfilled its functions, returns to mother earth, so that its particles may pass into the harvests of coming years. There is no waste in God’s great world. Let there be no waste in our lives!

There are other lessons to be learned from this wonderful story. All things are to be done decently and in order. The multitude was made to sit down in companies of fifty. There was to be no crowding or pushing; the strong must wait for the weak.

Each meal should begin with the giving of thanks. “Looking up to Heaven, He blessed, and brake, and gave to the disciples.” The holy custom of giving thanks appears to be fading away, from even Christian homes, to our great loss, for “He was made known to them in the breaking of bread” (Luk 24:30-31).

We may expect more than the bare necessaries of life at the hands of our gracious God, who “giveth us richly all things to enjoy.” He gives not bread only, but fish; luxuries, as well as necessaries. How much there is in life which we enjoy, but which is not absolutely necessary—music and art, flowers and fruit, sunrise and sunset, as well as ordinary daylight. “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy spirit to them that ask Him.”

Prayer

Teach us, O Lord, the art of so living in fellowship with Thyself that every act may be a Psalm, every meal a sacrament, every room a sanctuary, every thought a prayer. Amen.