Just a Boy

Daily Truth:  “There is a boy here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?”  John 6:9

                                                 Just a Boy.

We have been reading through a devotional book entitled “Heroes and Villains of the Bible” this summer in our family devos. Mostly the heroes and villains have been adults – until Saturday night.  That night we read about how a boy’s lunch fed 5000 men.

Just a Boy.

Now, the kids have heard this story before.  However, to hear it light of a “hero” was a whole other view point.  I mean…really…a child as a “hero”?  You could see the question spinning through their heads.

Just a Boy.

Of course, the number “5,000” means nothing to 4, 5, and 6 year olds.  So, we had to put it in perspective for them.

“Sam, let’s pretend that I pack you a lunch with 5 rolls and two small fish and you take it church.  Now let’s say, we walk into the auditorium and we tell you to share your lunch with everybody in the church.  Would it happen?”

Once again the wheels spinning. “What?!?!”

Micah, “No way that would work!”

Now we have no where near 5,000 members in our church but just the thought of having to share that little with that many was overwhelming.

Just a Boy.

Then Alexandra chimed in, “Dad, I’m sure there were other people that brought a lunch.  How come Jesus didn’t use their lunches?”

“Maybe, they didn’t offer to help like this little boy did.”

Just a Boy.

Then we reminded the kids that we don’t know the boys name, but he is forever remembered as the “Boy with the five loaves and two fish that over 5,000 men”.

I mean can you imagine him running home to his mom and exclaiming, slightly out of breath, “Mom you will never believe what Jesus did today!”

Just a Boy,

Why is this boy remembered through all time?  Why did God say to John, “Hey, remember the feeding of the 5,000?  Tell about that as you write this book”.

Why? Simply because the boy was willing to share in only a way a child could.

He didn’t see the vast number of people.  He didn’t see the impossibility.  He didn’t calculate how much money he would need like the disciples did.  No, he just simply handed his lunch to Jesus – willingly.  No tempers.  No coercing from dad.

Just a Boy.

So, another thought occurred to me as we finished up the devotional.  How was a little boy so willing to share his little lunch?  I’m sure it was hot and had been a tiring walk.

I mean, I have two boys and when they are ravenous, telling them to share their lunch is right up with asking them to eat their broccoli with a happy spirit.

So, how did this boy willingly give away his lunch?

Training.  Parents training him at a young age to share all he has with others.  No restraints.  No questions.  Just a willing spirit.

Demonstrating. Parents demonstrating by their actions how to share and help others with a willing spirit.  Not grudgingly.

Convicting!

It always amazes me how God’s Word can reach all ages with the same story.

Just a Boy.

So, my kids went away with the idea that even though they are little, they can still be a hero for God.

I went away reminded to keep on with the training because God can use just a boy.

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

P.S.  The little maid to Naaman’s wife is another little hero God used for Him.