The pages of the Gospels came alive as we boarded the small wooden ship and drifted into the midst of the sacred body of water. “Peace be still!” thundered through my mind as I soaked up the tranquility the calmness of the waters imparted. An old dream became a present reality.
At 13 miles long and 7 miles wide, the Sea of Galilee boasts as the largest body of fresh water in all of Israel. I was privileged to closely examine it during my pilgrimage to Israel. The 64 square miles of beautiful, vibrant scenery was filled with an innumerable measure of plants and fish thriving in the animated water.
Another body of water tells a different story. At 50 miles long and 11 miles wide, the Dead Sea lies over 1,400 feet below sea level and is noted to be the lowest point on earth. With a salt content 10 times higher than any ocean, it is completely void of life. Standing in stark contrast to the Sea of Galilee, it certainly lives up to its name, and offered me no beautiful foliage or aquatic life to behold.
Although they are vastly distinct and produce completely different outcomes, they do maintain something in common: both lakes have countless gallons of water poured into them from the Jordan River.
If both are fed by the same source, why does life thrive in one, but perish in the other? The answer is simple. The Sea of Galilee provides an inlet, while simultaneously presenting an outlet. While it readily receives it willingly gives. The constant flow of being poured into while freely pouring out helps provide and sustain vibrant life.
On the other hand, the Dead Sea liberally offers an inlet, but it selfishly grants no outlet. It is willing to receive, yet it refuses to give.
Both waters participate as receivers, yet only one contributes as a giver, as a result, one is active and fruitful while the other remains perpetually stagnant and barren.
Both waters participate as receivers, yet only one contributes as a giver, as a result, one is active and fruitful while the other remains perpetually stagnant and barren.
Justin Henry
“On the last day, that great day of the feast. Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his belly will flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37-38 (NKJV)
Jesus is referring to the Spirit that those who believe in Him shall receive. Notice He didn’t only speak of living water pouring into someone, but also flowing out of them as well. As God fills us with His Spirit, we should gladly become a channel through whom the living water can freely pass to be a blessing to others.
As God fills us with His Spirit, we should gladly become a channel through whom the living water can freely pass to be a blessing to others.
Justin Henry
“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
It fills and empowers us to herald the good news to the world.
As Spirit-filled believers, we can’t keep the gospel to ourselves. We must not hoard it, but instead, go boldly into the world and spread the truth that has been graciously given to us.
Jesus emphatically declared,
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 (NKJV)
What a tremendous honor it is to be called the light of the world. However, with this honor also comes great responsibility. The world you dwell in is full of darkness, and Jesus has entrusted you with an instruction to let your light direct the lost to Him. Be not only a light-receiver but also a light-giver. Be intentional to emit the truth of the gospel that has been committed to us.
What a tremendous honor it is to be called the light of the world. However, with this honor also comes great responsibility.
Justin Henry
God forbid we ever become stagnant and barren because we neglect to share the gospel. May we always remember the church has been commissioned to, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 (NKJV)
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