After feeding 5000, the Lord commanded the disciples to collect the leftovers. (John 6:12) It was a lesson for His disciples on faith, stewardship, and God’s amazing, abundant provision. God spoke to one young man through that verse. Lord impressed on him to go and seek the lost, last, least, longing, and loitering on the streets. His obedience brought rich, abiding and abundant harvest, so that there is a flourishing church with hundreds of people within thirty years. The members have not become prosperous, but live with confidence, cheerfulness, peace, righteousness, and a powerful witness.
Lost: The people who are like a lost coin or lost sheep. Someone should take the initiative to reach out to them. Many times, they do not mix with people, hence shun away from churches. Like the diligent virgin and dedicated shepherd, people need to search for them.
Last: The Lord commanded the disciples to organize the crowd to sit in rows or groups of fifties and hundreds. (Luke 9:14; Mark 6:40) The bread and fish being distributed should reach the last person in the crowd. Evangelism should reach people where foundations have not been laid yet. (Romans 15:20-21)
Least: Society considers some people are least, and do not deserve any attention. Such people perish by the negligence of the elite. The gospel is for such people who are considered foolish and weak. (I Corinthians 1:27)
Longing: The Prodigal Son longed to get back home. (Luke 15:17-20) Those who are wandering far away from God have a longing to get to the home. Sadly, they do not know a home exists, and the Father who is waiting for them. Those who are longing should belong to Christ. Those who have backslidden or did not commit to the Lord, even after knowing the truth, have this sense of longing.
Loitering: Literally, many people are loitering on streets, markets and malls. However, they may claim to be hanging out, enjoying life. In truth, they are searching for purpose and meaning in life. Some become alcoholics, others drug addicts and some pornography addicts.
Am I engaged in collecting the leftovers?