Church potlucks are the best. A true potluck means everyone brings something they’ve either prepared, cooked, or bought at the store to share with everyone else. No one signs up on a list beforehand, so we get what we get, even if it’s all desserts. That would be my favorite kind of potluck. But usually, potlucks are a pretty well-balanced affair. And all tummies are satisfied.
But what about the times when we have nothing to offer? Our cupboards are bare, our wallets are empty, and our nets have no fish. That was the situation the disciples found themselves in one morning, not long after Jesus, their Master, had risen from the dead. They’d fished all night without positive results. And then Jesus showed up. The time came for a potluck.
Jesus served a combination of His provision and the disciples’ contribution. This is how He modeled ministry. We join our stuff, which is provided by Him in the first place, to His. It’s not our creation or invention, but simply what He gives us. Then He invites us to participate, even acknowledging our part in acquiring what He provides. When we have nothing in our nets, He instructs us on how to use them, fills them up, and then commands us to share. How gracious and tender He is toward us.
As I put my fingers on the keyboard, I open the net of my heart to receive the words He wants me to share. Let Jesus instruct you on how to use your net. He will show you how to join with Him in ministry.
Anita van der Elst finds joy in creating with words, believing God gifted her with the desire to do so. Married to her best friend, Edward, since 1976, she is a proud mom of four adult children and Oma to two of the most delightful grandchildren ever. Other joys in her life include bringing beauty to Facebook through photos she takes on her iPhone, facilitating a small women’s group at church, and mentoring a few friends who also desire to write.