JESUS BLESSES ABUNDANTLY

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."

When Jesus had received the boy's lunch, He blessed it and gave it to the disciples to distribute among the multitude of about five thousand. As the disciples served the people, the five loaves and two fishes miraculously multiplied.

Verse 12 states that having partaken of the meal, the people were filled. They were sufficiently refreshed. Jesus always blesses incompleteness. There is never a lack or deficiency in His blessings. In John 4:13, when Jesus offered the woman at the well the living water, He assured her that she shall never thirst again. It is noteworthy that Jesus instructed the disciples to gather up the fragments; that is to collect what remained after the feast. This states that not only were the people well fed, but food remained.

Verse 13 informs us that the disciples filled not one or two, but twelve baskets with fragments. What a blessing! What a miracle! Jesus still performs miracles today. He never fails to cater to the needs of His people. When we place ourselves and our resources in His hands the outflow is immeasurable. In the collection of the fragments, Jesus also taught the disciples and the multitude a very valuable lesson for life. He said, "Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost." Simply put, Jesus admonishes us not to waste. He wants us, as He did for those on the hillside, to value all that He has given us. All of His gifts-our families; our homes; our finances; our talents and skills; and our time, are precious.  All of these and more encompass the gift of life, which is to be cherished and treasured.

The only way that life can be so regarded, is to live in accordance with God's will. May we allow the Holy Spirit to develop our desire for Jesus. Psalm 27: 4 offers encouragement. It states, "One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple."