By John Chamness
Our Lord Jesus Christ is the Living Word of God. In Matthew 14:16, Jesus says; “. . .give ye them to eat”.
How can people be convinced to believe in Jesus and receive Him as Savior so they will be saved from sin, guilt, fear and doubt?
Maybe people know about Him, but they still don’t accept Jesus for who He is.
People were the same in Jesus’ day. They heard His teachings and saw His miracles in person, but many still did not accept Him for who He really is. The Bible says in John 7:5, “Neither did his brethren believe in Him.”
In another place Jesus asked His disciples where they could get enough food to feed over 5,000 hungry listeners (Some say there were over 20,000 people there). Of course, He knew the answer, but He was testing them. Some of them failed the test. But Andrew at least said: “There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” (John 6:9).
Jesus took this small meal, multiplied it and provided enough to feed the multitude.
When you sense another’s need, do you underestimate what’s in your hand? Even if your hands are empty and beyond usefulness, they can fold together and pray.
God often uses little to accomplish much. The saying goes: “Shamgar had an ox goad, David had a sling, Dorcas had a needle, Rahab had some string, Mary had some ointment, Moses had a rod. Have you some small talent you’ll dedicate to God?”
Here are some ideas you might use to help people believe.
1.) Live the Christian life around them. Paul wrote, “Ye are our epistle, . . . known and read of all men” (2 Corinthians 3:2).
2.) Share the gospel with them. Spirit-anointed words will be just what they need to fit the last piece of the salvation message in place. “How shall they hear without a proclaimer?” (Romans 10:14). The messenger is noticed who is not ashamed of the Gospel nor a shame to it.
3.) Keep Jesus before them. Jesus said, “If I be lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men unto me” (John 12:32).
Others will follow your footsteps more easily than they will follow your advice.
May I tell you about a place where many people are being fed, and it would seem with very little.
In 2008, there was a 1 quarter of one cent sales tax passed by the citizens of Perry County; one half of that small amount is to be used, among other things, to minister to the needs of the seniors and shut-ins of Perry County. Such a small amount … yet, the ladies of the Perry County Senior’s Center continuously do a fantastic job of taking care of our seniors and those who cannot get outside their dwelling places.
The other one half of that small amount of sales tax money goes to the Perry County Youth Tax Board and its many grantees who continuously reach out to help, bless, encourage, and minister to all the youth of our County. And, they are all doing an awesome job with our children.
Sounds like they are doing just what Jesus said. Perhaps you can stop in and see what a wonderful job they do to share the goodness of a little in their hands.
You may even join with us in praying a special blessing upon these wonderful ladies who serve so faithfully.
And remember, don’t forget to love one another. This is Jesus’ commandment.
