Elevating the Leftovers

Special Gratitude Edition

It’s a good thing my fella likes leftovers. Being empty nesters, most of the main dishes I cook provide plenty for just the two of us. Consequently, what you see on your plate on Monday night has a high probability of making a repeat appearance within the next couple of days. Crazy thing – round two almost always seems to taste better than its original serving. What sort of magic happens in the fridge that I should know about?!

You may have never searched for Bible verses about “leftovers” during your study time, but John 6 tells a pretty epic story in which leftovers get fairly high billing.

Compassionate Jesus had been occupied with miraculous healings of the sick who had made their way to Him. Now, He and His disciples were retreating to the side of a mountain. Word of His good works had spread, and as Jesus settled in, He looked up and saw a crowd coming toward Him.

 Jesus never missed an opportunity to grow His disciples’ faith, and that day was no different. He turned to Philip and asked him where they could buy bread for the large group of people approaching. Philip, astonished, replied that many months’ wages wouldn’t even cover a bite of bread for each one.

The Bible doesn’t say that Jesus said this, but I wonder if in response to Philip, He at least thought, “Watch this.” Among the people was a boy with five barley loaves and two fish. His mom had packed a lunch for her boy, and Andrew now brought that lunch to Jesus, acknowledging the insignificance of it to meet such a great need.

Then Jesus, ever the calm One, ordered that the people sit down. “(He) took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” (John 6:11) Matthew 14:20a says, “(the people) all ate and were satisfied.” Y’all – that’s a miracle!

But there’s another little miracle tucked into this story. Jesus – the God of enough – is also the God of abundance. Twelve baskets full of leftovers were collected once tummies were full and happy. Jesus gave them what they needed, and there was more for later.

When you sit in the quiet with Jesus, feast upon the Bread of Life. Drink deeply of the Living Water. Fill yourself to the point of satisfaction – like a newborn milk-drunk after nursing from its mother’s breast.

But don’t forget the leftovers. God wants you to leave that precious tryst with the Lover of your soul, full and content. He also wants you to leave with the provisions of His Word and fellowship that will sustain and nourish you until you meet with Him again.

God of abundance, thank You for Your perfect provision of our deepest needs. Thank You for Your generosity toward us – spiritual paupers searching for crumbs from the Master’s table only to be invited to luxurious chairs at Your banquet of plenty. As we rise from devoted time with You, may we trust in and draw upon the reserves – the leftovers – You’ve provided for us as we go about our day. Thank You for the bounty of Your goodness. In the beautiful Name of Jesus, amen.

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“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19