Sermon
Little Is Much When God Is In It
Theme
Operation Inasmuch
Object
Pictures of Shannon Miller and Fire Engine
Scripture
As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, "This is a remote place, and it's already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food." Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat." "We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish," they answered. "Bring them here to me," he said. And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:15-21 (NIV)
A little six year old boy in my class some years ago saved his little brother from their burning apartment even though he was severely burned on the inside of his body from breathing the smoke himself. He said that he remembered our lesson of Just Stay Low and Go if there was ever a fire.
Shannon Miller was only twelve years old when after much practice and effort she began to show the world what a terrific gymnast she was. She went on to earn seven Olympic Medals and nine World Championship Metals.
You did can do great things because you remember to use lessons you have been taught or are willing to dedicate your time and effort like Jamal and Shannon.
In 1867a New York Fire company gave equipment to Columbia,South Carolina because they needed it. On September 11, 2001, terrorist attacked the New York World Trade Center and as a result many lives were lost as well as much fire fighting equipment. A middle school in South Carolina decided to do something to return the favor given to their state by raising over five hundred thousand dollars. On March 29, 2008 just a few days ago, some of those middle school students who are now seniors in high school went to New York to play with their band at Carnegie Hall. They decided to go by and see the fire engine that was bought with the money they raised together. Though no one person likely could accomplish this job alone together those students were able to do something terrific.
In Matthew 14, the Bible story is told of a little boy who went to see Jesus teach. He took with him five loaves of bread and two fish. When it came time to eat Jesus' disciples wanted him to send the more than five thousand men, plus women and children, away because there was not enough food for them. Jesus asked them how much food there was and they told him there were only five loaves of bread and two fish from a little boy. Jesus took the bread and fish blessed it and gave it to the disciples to pass out to the people. The Bible says that all of the people ate and were satisfied. When they were through they gathered up twelve baskets full of "leftovers." No one could have done what Jesus did that day. Though the little boy had little when he gave it to Jesus. Jesus blessed it and did something amazing.
Next Saturday our church will be working together to bless others. Operation Inasmuch is a chance for us to do many things that will help people in our community. You can help too. There will be project just for children as well as things for your parents. Sometimes we can do some wonderful things by ourselves and many times we can do even better things when we work together. However, you should know that if you want to do great things you must ask God to be in it.
Prayer – Lord we know that little is much when you are in it. As we think about what we can do to help in Operation Inasmuch would you help us to look to you to guide us? We ask you to bless everything that we do in your name. Amen
Note: This message was done for "Operation Inasmuch" in the author's church. With a little adapting, others might find it useful.
