WEEK 15 – DAY 2 – LEFTOVERS

Everyone eats. Everyone is satisfied. Nobody goes away hungry. In fact, when the disciples recover the leftovers, they have 12 baskets full of broken pieces. Luke 9:17 (VOICE)

Those of us who attend Baptist churches are veterans of many potluck dinners. Sometimes the meat is furnished, but many times it is a true potluck where everyone brings something and hopes others bring something else. I’ve been at potlucks that would have been enjoyed by vegetarians because there were absolutely no meat dishes. Other times, we might as well have called it dessert deluxe because everyone likes to show off their baking skills. On this particular day, the crowd did not even come prepared for a potluck dinner. Apparently the only one who had anything to share was a boy with five loaves of bread and two fish. I’ve been to a few skimpy potlucks over the years, but most of the time there is plenty. What these people and even Jesus’s closest twelve followers did not realize is that the provisions are never scant when Jesus is in charge of the potluck. He blessed those loaves and fish, and his disciples proceeded to distribute supper to 5,000 men and their families! Not only did the boy’s meager contribution stretch to feed the entire crowd, but there were twelve basketfuls left over. It is probably no coincidence that each doubting disciple would be left holding an entire basketful of food! The Bible does not tell us what was done with the leftovers, but in the Jewish culture it was not acceptable to toss out good food. Therefore, I am sure they ate the bread the next day or gave it away to local people in need. Are you in need of miraculous provision physically, spiritually, or emotionally? Jesus will never barely meet your need. He will always exceed your expectations and entrust you with the responsibility of using the leftovers wisely. Trust the Lord with the little you have and watch Him multiply it to completely satisfy you with left overs to share!

Father, we thank You for the way You constantly supply all our needs on a budget that seems unstretchable. We are blessed to have a nice apartment, a van that accommodates Susan’s power chair, and plenty of food on the table. Thank You for Your generous provision.