“There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” John 6:9
Recently one of my pastor friends and his wife took a mission team to Chechnya. I listened with amazement as he told of how campers lined up to receive a quarter. When he ran out of quarters, he gave out dimes then nickels. When he ran out of nickels, he resorted to handing out pennies.
Even though it was just a penny, the line never slowed. Neither did anyone complain. You see, it wasn’t the amount that mattered. It was what was behind it and what it stood for.
In this scripture, Jesus has collected five loaves and two fish to feed 5,000 men, not counting women and children. One of the disciples asked, “What is this among so many?” In reality, nothing. Nothing is what it is. It is not the amount that matters. It is what is behind it that is important.
Maybe you feel, compared to life’s situations, you are inadequate, overwhelmed, and just plain not good enough. Like the five loaves and two fish: What are you compared to the things you are facing? Just like the penny: What is your worth compared to the overwhelming debt that life has handed you?
Your worth is not found in you. It is what/who is backing you that matters. The blood of Jesus Christ, not just a cross, but an empty tomb is there to say, “I got you. All is well.”
Your value is not in you. It is found in who is holding you.
Our prayer for you this week: May you realize where your worth is found, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.