Project Description

2016/07

A Word to Women

A few little fishes
(Matthew 15:34)

There are two notable occasions when the Lord Jesus fed great crowds of people. On the first occasion, over 5,000 were fed with 5 loaves and 2 small fish, the lunch of a lad from the crowd. On the second occasion, recorded in Matthew 15, over 4,000 were fed from 7 loaves and a few little fishes. We are not told who gave up lunch so that the crowd could be fed.  However the same could be said as before, “What are they among so many?” Humanly speaking, the food was enough for one, could be stretched to feed a few, yet Christ made the little fishes and loaves meet the need. The crowds were filled and satisfied and there was even food over. How great is our God!

There are many ways we can contribute to God’s work. Our time and talents may be useful to Him. We can also serve by giving our tithes and offerings.

The little fishes were given willingly.  The disciples may not have seen the potential but the Lord Jesus was happy to use what was given. The Lord entrusts to us temporal blessings and expects us to be good stewards. Has the Lord given to you liberally? Then use that bounty wisely. The Scriptural principle is, “unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). Don’t give out of slavish obedience but out of a thankful heart. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

The one who gave the little fishes was not rich. The lunch was simple. We may have little to spare and be struggling to make ends meet. This does not exempt us from supporting God’s work.  Always put God first. Elijah met a widow about to cook her last meal. He asked her for water and bread and gave her a wonderful promise, “For thus saith the LORD God of Israel, The barrel of meal shall not waste, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth.”(1 Kings 17:14) The widow did as Elijah asked and found the promise true.

What a blessing was experienced by the giver of the little fish and by all who witnessed the Lord Jesus give thanks and then miraculously multiply the fish and bread! None went hungry, there was plenty for all. The encouragement is given in Malachi 3:10 to “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Paul commends the church at Philippi for their giving, describing their gift as, “an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God.” (Philippians 4:18) He goes on to say, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (v19) We cannot expect God to provide for us if we do not bring in our tithes and offerings. The Lord will be pleased to bless and use ‘little fishes’ for His glory.

Little is much when God is in it!
Labour not for wealth or fame;
There’s a crown, and you can win it,
If you go in Jesus’ name.

Olive Maxwell.