Responsibilities that Accompany a Miracle

"One Year Bible" New Testament Passage
John 6:1-21

And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted.  So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost."  John 6:11-12 (NKJV)

John gives an amazing insight with details surrounding the ministry of Jesus.  Beautiful facets of truth lie in the stories of Scripture.

We find an example in this -- the story of the feeding of the five thousand.  Jesus takes a boy's loaves and fishes and multiplies them enough to feed the entire multitude.  In fact, there is enough so that everyone had "as much as they wanted."  This is an abundant, overflowing feast.  It is a MIRACLE of provision.

Yet, interestingly, Jesus says that they should gather all the fragments so that nothing is lost.  It might be asked why should they have to save these left-overs when such a mighty miracle had just happened.  Why not just do another miracle?  When the abundance is flowing, why would you have to save anything?

It is implied that miracles should not be an excuse for waste or irresponsibility.  It is implied that a day is coming when these fragments will be needed.  It is implied that this miracle is not endless or unlimited. 

This speaks to two dimensions we are all called to walk in.  First, there is the dimension of the MIRACULOUS.  God wants to visit us with overflowing, miraculous provision.  Second, He also wants us to practice RESPONSIBLE CONSERVATION.  Each gift from God is to be stewarded with due care that reflects the heart of the Giver.

God will pour His unlimited grace out on our lives.  He also wants us to be good stewards of that grace carrying it to the fullest, the widest, and the maximum of its use in speading the Goodness of our God.