IT is recorded that after Christ Jesus had fed the multitude which followed him into the desert he said to his disciples, "Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost;" and they gathered up twelve baskets full. The demand "that nothing be lost" is in accordance with divine economy, for in God's kingdom nothing is ever lost; nor can there ever be any loss under divine guidance.
"Economy" is defined, in part, as "thrifty and careful administration; management without loss or waste." Surely no one would believe that Jesus thought the fragments were valuable in themselves. He had seen abundance where others had seen but five barley loaves and two small fishes; and he had shown his perception of God's affluence to be of practical application in meeting human needs, regardless of place or environment. It was no fear of lack, no limitation, which prompted his admonition to his disciples; rather was it his obedience to the divine law. He knew that waste is contrary to this law, and because of his obedience to true law, he insisted that right use be made of useful things. Nowhere is there any record that Christ Jesus was ever wasteful. Indeed, as one studies carefully the works of our Master, he finds that Jesus did everything thoroughly, without waste of time, effort, or words.
Furthermore, the student will find that glorifying God and saving from loss was ever paramount with Christ Jesus. He said in humility: "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." Again, near the close of his ministry, in one of his prayers to the Father, he said, "Those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled."
