Jhn 6:12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
In Johns account of the feeding of the 5000 (
John 6: 5-13), we have the names of 4 people involved. Jesus, Philip, Andrew and Simon Peter. Actually all the disciples were involved, but only Jesus and the 3 are named. You know the story. 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish fed 5000. (According to other accounts, there were 5000 men, not counting women and children). After all had eaten and were filled, Jesus had the disciples to gather up the "left overs". Amazingly, 12 baskets of left -overs were taken up from the meager meal.
Now... heres the question: Who fed the 5000? Jesus, you say? Well, He multiplied the food, but it was the disciples who distributed the food. But who actually fed the 5000? Well, we don't know. He name isn't given. All we know is that he was a "lad". An insignificant nobody that didn't even warrant his name to be associated with one of the greatest miracles of all time.
So heres the deal. Your name may not be emblazoned in lights. Your name may not be recorded in the annals of history. You may feel insignificant, you may be a part of the "silent majority". You may never be on anyone's who's who list. But, your little act of kindness... your little word of encouragement, your meager little helping hand goes a long way in helping more people than you know.
Hebrews 11 records the names of several heros of faith. It also lists some whose names aren't recorded. But, these un-named, unsung heroes are every bit the heroes as those whoses names we know.
I firmly believe this: Doing the right thing is its own reward. I don't look to heaven expecting dollars to fall from God when I help those in need. (I sure wish they would!). I don't need to be blessed for doing the right thing. Doing the right thing, helping a neighbor, reaching a lost sinner, saying an encouraging word. praying a simple prayer, or providing meager substenace to someone in need is my blessing. Don't fret because you're not recognized for doing some small thing. God recognizes it, and often, that small, little thing you do has a way of blessing more people than you may ever know.
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