of the writers tell us why the baskets which were filled were twelve in num ber, therefore any reason given would be mere conjecture. But I am going to risk my reputation by shar ing with you the conclusion of my sanctified imagination. I see here the possibility of one full basket for each of the disciples. Their job was to give the Bread of life to the multi tude, and Jesus was urging them to get on with the job, assuring them that as fast as each would empty his basket, He would fill it again. His fulness was their fulness. The ser vant of the Lord is never impover ished as he goes about his Master’s business. To you who serve the Saviour, be assured that Christ’s fulness is your fulness, even when your basket be comes empty. Whatever you need, however serious your circumstance, or desperate your plight, be urgent in prayer. Your Lord is able and willing to provide all your need so that you can get on with your job. Take courage and press on in the Word and in the work (Gal. 6:9).
less servants that He was likewise their sufficiency in carrying out their divinely-appointed assignments.When Andrew and Philip became occupied with the insufficiency of their meager material goods, it was time for Christ to demonstrate His fulness. He commanded the disciples to seat the people, and then taking the five barley loaves, and two small fishes, He multiplied them before the eyes of all of His disciples. Andrew had raised the question, “What are they among so many?” And in so doing, he had completely overlooked the ful ness of the Godhead which dwelt in Christ, a mistake too many of us have made in the past. But Christ’s fulness is not lessened by our lack of faith. And so, with the people now seated in orderly groups, and using the means which were at hand, He gave thanks for the little and multi plied it to feed the many. As I examined the miracle in all four of the records, I noted that each of the writers included the fact that Christ gave the bread to the disciples and left its distribution to the multitude in their hands. After all, this task was both their privi lege and their responsibility, and they needed to learn the precious lesson that whenever God calls a per son to do a job for Him, He equips that person with everything to get the job done. We read in all four ac counts concerning t h e multitude, that “they were all filled.” Philip had talked about every one of them taking a little, but our blessed Lord, in whom all fulness dwells, does not give niggardly. He fed them until they were fully satisfied. And all the while the disciples were witness ing a practical demonstration of Christ’s inexhaustible supply. This was the lesson they needed to learn. But the story does not end at that point. We are told that of the frag ments which remained, there were twelve baskets “full.” Now note that word full. It is derived from the same word translated fulness. None
Dr. Louis T. Talbot (left), Biola Chancellor, and Dr. Ray A. Myers Chairman of the Biola Board of Directors, had the opportunity of participating togetherin the recent commence ment exercises of the school.
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