For The Master's Use

by QUARTUS | Category: For Young Believers | Oct 1955

What grace and humility the Master revealed in the use of apparently unimportant things! We think particularly of the loaves and fishes, the foal of the ass, and the little boat.

There is almost a tone of hopelessness in Andrew's words, "There is a lad here, which has five barley loaves, and two fishes: but what are these among so many?" (John 6.9). As if to emphasize the inadequacy of the provisions, the fact is stressed that the loaves were barley loaves, barley being considered inferior to wheat. But what an abundant supply and satisfying meal they all enjoyed! They had "as much as they would" and "they were filled."

Then there is the case of the ass and her colt. When the Lord gives instructions with regard to their loosing from the place where they were tied in the village, He said, "Ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them" (Matthew 21.8). It was not that the Lord wanted them, but He needed them. That young foal and its mother were necessary to the Lord Jesus for the accomplishment of divine purposes. Although He was truly a King, yea the King of kings, He was meek enough to use the lowly foal of the ass as He rode majestically into the capital city, only to be, by the people, despised, rejected and crucified Him.

Lastly, we think of the little boat spoken of in Mark 3.9, "He spake to His disciples, that a little boat should wait on Him." One version says, "He gave directions to His disciples to keep a small boat in constant attendance on Him." It passes our comprehension that one small boat should contain the "Almighty Ruler of the skies," but how humble was He who asked for such a small vessel to wait upon Him! And it does seem that from that same "little boat" the world-renowned parable of the sower first came from the lips of the Master.

He never despised things or people because they were small. What He desired was that they should be ready and at hand for His service.

"Let my hands perform His bidding;

Let my feet run in His ways;

Let mine eyes see Jesus only;

Let my lips speak forth His praise.

QUARTUS | Oct 1955
For Young Believers