Article July 7, 1934 Issue

"Gather up the fragments"

HARRY B. MAC RAE

There is probably no better known instance of Christ Jesus' insistence upon proper attention being given to the so-called little things than his admonition to his disciples after the feeding of the five thousand. Through his clear understanding of God as the infinite source of supply, the few loaves and fishes had been multiplied and the thousands of hungry listeners congregated there upon the grassy slopes of the mountain beyond the Galilean sea had been fed. Yet, "when they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost."

The Master's command, though they promptly obeyed it, may have somewhat puzzled the disciples, since there was apparently no immediate need for this surplus food. Furthermore, they had just witnessed the proof that he was able to utilize God's spiritual power and was not dependent upon material supply to feed even a multitude such as this. But he who spake as "never man spake" thus practically showed his disciples, as well as mankind generally, the importance of a proper acknowledgment of every benefit made manifest through an understanding of God. As the disciples fully appreciated and recognized each demonstration of God's ever-presence, regardless of how small or unimportant to mortal sense the outward symbol might appear to be, they would be qualified and prepared to receive more of good, and thus advance to higher works.

Throughout his ministry Jesus repeatedly referred to little things. The sparrow, the lily, the hairs of the head—these he used to illustrate the comprehensiveness of God's goodness, and its availability to all of His children. Nothing good was too small or too insignificant to be noted as indicating his Father's infinite wisdom and care. It was this clear perception of God's allness that enabled the Master to demonstrate it in every way.

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