Multiplication

Multiplication is central to creation. We see this in operation when God created the first fish and birds, commanding them to “be fruitful and multiply.” They were not to stay static, but to increase. In fact, fish were to “fill the waters” and birds were to “multiply on the earth.” God gave animals a similar command.

This focus continued after the flood as God wanted birds and animals to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 8:17). Then, He told Noah and his sons, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth,” repeating this command a few verses later (Genesis 9:1-7). God made similar commands to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Moses stressed God’s promise of multiplication before His people entered the Promised Land, telling them that, if they obeyed His commands, they would “live and multiply” (Deuteronomy 8:1-14).

This pattern is repeated throughout the Bible. A seed can generate many plants. In fact, Jesus said that when seed “fell on the good soil and yielded a crop, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty” (Matthew 13:8).

Jesus applied this principle when a little boy brought Him five loaves and two fish. He multiplied this into enough food to feed more than 5,000 people (John 6:9). And, in the parable of the talents, Jesus taught that He rewards those who invest what they have been given.

This principle clearly applies to our lives. We need to realize that God is a God of abundance. Of more than enough. We may be inclined to focus on our human limitations. But the Bible encourages us to focus on God’s unlimited power, wealth, and ability.

This can apply to anything. We are not to bury any of the gifts or resources He has given us but invest them. And then expect Him to multiply them.