Words of Grace

By Rev. Mahlon Nevel

“But what are they among so many?” (John 6:9)

Andrew, one of the disciples, asked this question when he saw that a lad was carrying a lunch consisting of five barley loaves and two pieces of fish. This was not nearly enough food to feed five thousand people.

We know that Jesus worked a miracle. He multiplied the five loaves and two fish, and there was more than enough food so that everyone in the crowd was filled. The disciples even gathered up twelve baskets of leftovers.

When we see so many people with so many troubles, we wonder what we can do to help everyone.. But what are we among so many?

The story is told about an ocean steamer in grave danger on a stormy night at sea. The whole crew worked together with each individual doing his part.

One of the sailors fell and hurt himself. He tried to keep on working but was not able to do much. The captain ordered him to go to his stateroom.

When he got to his room he lamented that he did so little to help save the ship. Just then he heard the cry that a man was overboard.

Instantly the sailor lit his little lamp and held it up to the portal. When the rays of light fell on the water, the other sailors were able to see the drowning man and save him.