What other biblical examples show God using small resources for great purposes? Scripture Focus: A Single Jar of Oil “Then Elisha asked her, ‘What do you have in the house?’ ‘Your servant has nothing there at all,’ she said, ‘except a small jar of oil.’ ” (2 Kings 4:2) The Divine Pattern: Little in the Hand, Much in the Plan God often begins with what seems insignificant, then multiplies it beyond expectation. That pattern in 2 Kings 4 surfaces all through Scripture. Here are some memorable snapshots: Old Testament Snapshots • Gideon’s Whittled-Down Army – “The LORD said to Gideon, ‘With the three hundred men who lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands.’ ” (Judges 7:7) • David’s Sling and Stone – “Reaching into the bag, he took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on the forehead.” (1 Samuel 17:49) • Widow of Zarephath’s Handful of Flour – “The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth.” (1 Kings 17:14) • Moses’ Simple Staff – “Then the LORD asked him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ ‘A staff,’ he replied.” (Exodus 4:2) That same staff parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16). • Samson and a Donkey’s Jawbone – “Finding a fresh jawbone of a donkey, he grabbed it and struck down a thousand men.” (Judges 15:15) • Elijah’s Cloud the Size of a Man’s Hand – “Behold, a small cloud, like a man’s hand, is rising from the sea.” (1 Kings 18:44) Before long, torrents of rain ended a drought. • Naaman’s Seven Simple Dips – “Elisha sent a messenger, saying, ‘Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan and your flesh will be restored.’ ” (2 Kings 5:10) New Testament Snapshots • A Boy’s Lunch – “Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish… Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated.” (John 6:9,11) Twelve baskets overflowed afterward (John 6:13). • Waterpots at Cana – “Jesus told the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ …He revealed His glory.” (John 2:7,11) Ordinary water became choice wine. • The Widow’s Two Small Coins – “A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins… ‘This poor widow has put in more than all the others.’ ” (Mark 12:42-43) • Mustard Seed Faith – “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed… though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants.” (Matthew 13:31-32) • Paul’s Handkerchiefs – “Even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured.” (Acts 19:12) Why God Works This Way • He highlights His power, not ours (2 Corinthians 4:7). • He invites trust when resources look inadequate (Psalm 37:16-17). • He guards us from boasting (Judges 7:2). • He turns everyday objects—and people—into conduits of grace (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). Practical Takeaways • Inventory, don’t ignore, what you already have. God asked Moses and the widow the same question: “What’s in your hand/house?” • Offer the “little.” In God’s economy, surrendered smallness breeds supernatural sufficiency. • Expect overflow. The jar filled every vessel; the loaves filled thousands. God’s character has not changed (Malachi 3:6). The lingering lesson: never underestimate anything—or anyone—placed in God’s hands. |
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