I grew up in a time and at an economic level where leftovers were a way of life. To this day, I hate to throw things out after a meal. It is a problem sometimes because those leftovers start to grow “new life” if you know what I mean. That being said, some leftovers are repurposed and tasty.
In the New Testament, we see a great example of the power of leftovers. A certain woman comes to Jesus and asks for help. He tells her that his “food” is for the children of Israel and he must keep the food to feed them. She is tenacious and tells him that the dogs under the table at least get the crumbs that fall from the good meal……the leftovers. And Jesus is astounded and honored by her faith in just a few crumbs, a few leftovers. He gives her the desire of her heart.
Now, lets think of this closely. If just the leftovers of the life of Christ are enough to bring about miracles, what is the lesson for us? Do we really need all that we ask for from God? I mean, seriously, crumbs of faith were enough to heal. We ask so much of God…bless our football game, tell us we are right, prove that you are there. We never think about what that sounds like to God. I think the Eternal weeps when we do this.
Consider Jesus when he is resurrected and speaks to Peter. Three times he asks if Peter loves him. I always learned it was to represent the three denials. Now I am not so sure. Maybe Jesus was teaching him what it feels like to be asked over and over again, do you love me? In our relationships with others, if we are always asking for proof that the other really loves us, that relationship is doomed. Don’t we do this a lot? Beg God for things we either already have or don’t really need?
I am going to be more thankful for the crumbs from the table of God’s grace. I know now that it is enough. And, from my life experience, it is up to me to make a very tasty meal out of those leftovers. My life is that meal, so that others can have a place to feed themselves. If I put down a bland meal that I don’t even want to eat, how will others ever get fed? Or even want to eat. If you need a reason for why people are leaving church, look no further than the meal you are serving them every day. That we the Church are providing for a very hungry world.
TMM