My acquaintances ask me questions. My friends want answers. My family looks for guidance. What do I have to offer? There is no wisdom like Lewis, no inspiration like Swindoll or insight like Zacharias. Stinky fish and moldy bread are all I have to offer.
In John 6:9, there is a glimpse into a little boys life. He probably got up early that day to hurry through his chores because he had heard about the open air event with the great new man about town. He didn't know this Jesus like we know Him now but he knew He was something special and he had to be there. He finished his chores and headed for the door...of course mom must have stopped him. "Don't forget your lunch. You may need it!"....If she only knew!
At the event the disciples were searching for food to fulfill Jesus' request to feed the multitudes. Not unlike me, the disciples were probably mocking the situation at hand. Inwardly they were saying, "you want us to feed all these people? See what you can do with some moldy bread and stinky fish." And just like Jesus, he punishes their thoughts by building their faith.
Back to the boy....I don't see that he questioned the disciples to see how much food they needed. He created no other obstacles or issues. Is it good? Is it enough? Are people allergic to barley or fish? What will I eat? Will mom be mad? They asked for food, he had food....he gave it.
There is so much to do. I wish the eyes of the skeptics would open, the stomachs of the doubters would fill and the hearts of the lost would find their way home but I have so little to offer. Did that little boy give his lunch to feed the multitudes? I don't really think he thought about it. There was a request and he gave what he had. His lunch was not blessed because he gave much but because he gave it. Do I hear a request and say, "this is mine, use it" or do I bow at the feet of Jesus and say, "this is yours, take it"?
Often I blame people for who they are or what I think they have made me. Maybe my teachers were too hard on me or my Dad was too serious or my pastor went on and on about sin. They weren't perfect....wow man, that's some sound insight! All these people I find fault with had offerings similar to mine. God did incredible things with their lives. They used the gifts God had granted to do things He needed done and most of those things had nothing to do with fulfilling my expectations.
Many times I think offerings are what I see as worthy or what I classify as usable that I return to my Savior, maybe money or expertise or wise teaching. I'm pretty sure God does not need my "greatness" to do anything. Often it's the stinky fish and moldy bread He uses to feed those that are starving.
Is it easy to offer God my bread and fish? No. Am I ashamed to offer Him so little? Yes. But He didn't ask for much, He asked for me...an offering that He can make pleasing in His sight.
