A Nameless Boy
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The following article has been excerpted from Called to the Wild by Christopher Lawrence.
“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?”
-John 6:9
The bright orange guidebook intrigued me with its pull-out maps, vintage climbing photos and especially the title, Touch the Sky.
Given to me by a buddy and published in 1971, this classic book by Paul Piana stands as the most comprehensive guide for rock climbing in the Needles of South Dakota—a place chock-full of climbing history and narrow spire climbs or “needles.”
While originally selling for $15, because of rarity the value now exceeds $175—at least a ten-fold increase!
The Bible showcases a much greater example of multiplication, when Jesus fed 5,000 people using a boy’s lunch.
This boy’s gift of five loaves and two small fish became a critical component in Jesus’ miracle that day. Interestingly, the boy is not named, nor is he even mentioned in the other three gospel accounts.
Yet this is how God often works: he takes our seemingly small and insignificant gifts offered in faith and multiplies them exponentially for his kingdom.
Multiplication is a key biblical principle. In the parable of the sower, the seed grew hundred-fold. So often, God uses humble means to reap a great harvest.
In the late 1920s, a teacher from North Dakota named Henrietta Mears moved to California to work for a church youth program, which eventually grew to more than 4,200 youths attending each week. Photos of Henrietta show a bespectacled woman with a bulbously flowered hat cocked sideways—not exactly the “cool” youth leader one would imagine. But God used her. Among those she mentored were Billy Graham and Bill Bright—founders of ministries that God has used to bring millions into his Kingdom.
And it started when an ordinary woman offered her life to God.
Similarly, the gifts we give to God might seem puny, like the boy’s lunch. Yet Jesus can use them mightily.
No matter what the gift, as long as the Lord is asking, we must give it willingly—a financial gift, an encouraging comment or a written word. Even having coffee with someone to encourage them in his or her faith can prove significant. For God knows just how to use what we offer.
One of the most undervalued gifts we can give is prayer. This spiritual discipline offers the highest multiplication potential.
We don’t always get to see the results of our gifts, which might seem to underscore the insignificance. But nothing given to God is ever wasted. One day we will see the full story.
While the value of my guidebook increased, the condition continues to deteriorate, as the pages are falling out the colors are fading—which is not surprising given its age.
Yet, this is not the case with gifts we give in faith. Our time, talents and treasures can reap an eternal reward that never spoils or fades. Rather than letting them collect dust, we must offer these loaves and fishes. In time, we may be delighted by what God does with them. The Giver of All Gifts is certainly worthy of our gifts so let us bring them today.
Question:
What gift do you want to share? Is there anything you feel like you are withholding?
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for giving me gifts, whether great or small. Please help me offer these gifts in faith and be encouraged even if I don’t see the results. Thank you for the endless gifts you give me through Jesus. Amen.
From one Adventurer to Another
Called to the Wild is a 40-day journey filled with thrilling adventure stories and poignant Biblical meditations, through which outdoor guide and Cru campus minister, Chris Lawrence, helps readers overcome fear and self-doubt by learning to follow Jesus as their trustworthy Guide through life’s every adventure.
