Reading: Mark 6:35-44 New International Version (NIV)
This morning we pick up on the next thing that Jesus did as He delivered one of the most amazing miracles of His ministry. We have seen that first we need to look to heaven (total surrender & dependence on God) and then have a thankful hear (spirit of gratitude).
The next thing that Jesus did was to break the loaves and fish into pieces and ask the disciples to distribute among them all – The principle of fairness / justice.
God has no favourites – we are all created by Him and in His own image and the scripture says so.
Psalm 9:4 Amplified Bible (AMP)
4 For You have maintained my right and my cause; You have sat on the throne judging righteously.
“Fairness is such a valuable thing, that no money can buy it.” – Alain-Rene Lesage
“Fairness is what justice really is.” Potter Stewart
Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel–that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.”
When Jesus finished thanking God, He next decided to divide the little they have amongst the people. We don’t see him asking the disciples to rank the people by age, wealth or any other criteria – He just asked them to divide so that everyone could get something. Jesus is teaching us an important principle here – that we need to be willing and ready to distribute the little you have amongst those that have a need.
When the need you have is far bigger than the resources you have, there will be a tendency to hold onto what you have got and start waiting or praying to God for more. The example we see here is completely different – Jesus took all they had and asked the disciples to share it out among those who needed. If you don’t learn to surrender what you have to God for distribution to those in need, you will live a very small life. I believe one of the marks of spiritual maturity amongst Christians is in the area of giving. Firstly, if whoever had the loaves and fish had not surrendered them to the disciples and to Jesus, we don’t know what would have happened. This person could have easily said, I don’t have enough – it’s only five loaves and two fish anyway – what difference will it make for the thousands of people here but he didn’t.
When we surrender all that we have to Jesus in obedience and for equal distribution or application to the need – we set the stage for the miraculous. Those of you that have followed the story of CREM Ministry would attest to that. At every stage of our ministry journey, we have relied on the faithful giving of men and women in the ministry – time, finances, gifting etc. Every year, we see very ordinary people stepping out in obedience to God and giving the little or much they have and as we have applied the same to the needs that we have got, we have seen God come through again and again. Through this, we continue to receive testimonies of the many lives that God has continued to change and touch through CREM. We ray that God will continue blessing every member of this ministry and in ways that will surprise them as well.
You know there will always be the tendency to feel like what you have got is small and can’t make a difference, but I would like to challenge all of us – as the Lord has given you, step forward and give to Jesus and don’t compare yourself with anyone – seek to obey God. This is not just about money – but everything you have got. Step out and serve faithfully and without having to be pushed or coerced. If you can sing – step out and do it well. If you can encourage someone – step out and do it. Just make yourself available and don’t be complicated – be simple.
Where the principle of fairness and equity is applied – the miraculous always happens. I believe this should be a key guiding principle in the allocation of resources and in leadership. When it comes to meeting the needs of those around us, there cannot be favoritism – we have to apply fairness and justice. If we do this, the little resources we have will be multiplied.
This is a lesson that we need to reflect on in Africa and especially in the management of public resources. The spirit of looting pubic resources is demonic, comes from hell and is at the core of Africa’s poverty. Whatever little resources we have in Africa – if applied with fairness to the citizen’s, God power of multiplication can be unleashed and we eliminate poverty.
God’s word is true and will not fail and as the The Bible says – Proverbs 13:11 New King James Version (NKJV)
11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.
Proverbs 22:16 New King James Version (NKJV)
16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches, And he who gives to the rich, will surely come to poverty.
Jeremiah 17:11 New King James Version (NKJV)
11 “As a partridge that broods but does not hatch, So is he who gets riches, but not by right;
It will leave him in the midst of his days, And at his end he will be a fool.”
Jesus distributed to all in need and the miracle happened.
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