I was thinking about leftovers looking over John 6. The disciples get the command from Jesus to gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost. Someone I know was once on a plane with Mother Theresa. She went around and collected everyone’s leftover food so that nothing would be wasted.

We had a young woman stay with us for a while who had grown up in an orphanage. She ate my kids’ crusts so they wouldn’t go to waste. She had been taught it was a sin to waste bread.

We once had a young man stay with us for a short-term mission project. He also took on eating leftovers. He thought it was wrong for food to go to waste. I told him that I wasn’t sure it was more noble to overfill an American belly.

But Jesus isn’t so concerned about leftover bread, I don’t think. There’s always more where that came from in God’s economy. He can make bread from rocks if He so chose. His concern is hearts. He wants those leftovers gathered in. He wants no one to be lost.

Look for the leftovers, the left-outs, the left-behinds. Go to them and invite them in. Gather them to the Lord’s table. There’s room for everyone and more than enough food.

For the bread is Christ Himself.

Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.” He is the bread that satisfies for eternity. There’s always more. He is enough for everyone. There will never be lack. Invite people. Gather them in.

The Father is already drawing them to Himself. Go make the invitation.

When you need to, say the hard word. Jesus talks about eating His flesh and drinking His blood and then lets them walk away. He was okay with that. Speak the truth. Always love. Be obedient to the Father’s will. Walk in relationship with Jesus. And there will be a bountiful feast.