05/01/2012 - THE AMBIVALENT DISCIPLE

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One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?

John 6:8-9

In the episode of the multiplication of bread and fish, Andrew displayed an important virtue: the knowledge of what was going on around him when he realized that a young man had some food. However when he asked \”But what are they among so many?” he showed he was not \”in tune\” with what the Lord would do.

It\’s important to be aware of the reality around us, such as some recent evil that has been afflicting people, what evil people are doing, job opportunities, new cultures and techniques used in agriculture as well as economy issues. The men of God should be in the loop but without being gossips.

Now, those who do not live in communion with the Almighty, through the Word and prayer, do not understand why some things happen to certain people, or do not notice when the Lord is guiding them to talk to someone about a certain subject. On the other hand, those who live in the presence of the Most High and seek to be used by Him will miss no opportunity. Such people are just like the Lord’s prophets who operated in the past.

Undoubtedly, being aware of the details concerning natural things is good. We do not know how the disciple Andrew found out that a boy had a few loaves and fish; that servant of the Lord also knew the exact amount of food the boy had, perhaps for his own nourishment or to be sold and help in household spending. Make sure you are always in the know because the Almighty may use you. How will the Lord direct any of His children to buy a piece of land where they could thrive if they are not even interested in agriculture? The same applies to any other business.

By not paying attention to what the Lord intended to do, Andrew felt that the five loaves and two fish would not feed the crowd. Well, Jesus knew what He would do, and what He needed was for that boy to provide his food so that the work could be done. With the blessing, little food will feed many people so we must never disbelieve what the Lord can do when we put our faith into action.

Oftentimes the work may seem impossible to be done but if we follow the directions of Heaven, we will be able to fulfill it. Since past times the Lord has turned barren women into mothers. One day, He announced that a virgin would conceive and when the exact time presented itself, the Word was fulfilled. God sows the seed and the moment we believe what He promises us, the work is performed. Stay \”tuned\” and the Lord will use you.

The Almighty is the God of miracles. It was Him who ordered Moses to stop praying and to tell the people to move on. So, when Moses obeyed and struck the waters, the sea divided and Israel crossed over on dry ground (Exodus 14:21-22). In the case of the multiplication, the information Andrew provided was highly important. I pray that in the same way that disciple was of assistance, you do not miss your opportunity to cooperate.

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares