“For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:2
Today I want to share a lesson from the city of Caesarea Philippi, which is shared in the gospels of Matthew and Mark. Jesus was trying to teach His disciples that as believers, we are called for a purpose, and we’re called to be a blessing to others. When Hannah and I visited the Dead Sea, I remember reading a comparison between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee is fresh and full of life, and that’s because the water flows in and the water flows out. It’s a symbol of the soul, which receives teaching; we also receive gifts from the spirit. However, we’re also called to give, share, teach, and mentor. When we have this nice balance of receiving and giving, we live a vibrant spiritual life. As disciples, Jesus wants this for us. In comparison, the Dead Sea’s water only flows in, and nothing flows out. In fact, when we went into the water, my face was burning because the high saltwater content was causing irritation to my skin. Not a living thing is in the Dead Sea. Friend, as disciples we can take in and experience church services, Bible studies, and posturing, but are we giving out? Are we loving our neighbor? Are we embracing the call to be a blessing to the nations? We can balance between loving our neighbor, reaching people who are lost, helping people who are suffering, and also continuing to be a good person. As believers, we can fulfill this call! |
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for your gifts. Teach me to give, share, teach, and to mentor. Help me to be a giver.
Reflection
Do you have a balance between giving and receiving? Where have you embraced the promise to be a blessing?
If you’re unable to attend your local church or need some additional weekly inspiration, be sure to tune into Hour of Power every Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. PT on TBN or watch online at hourofpower.org/episode.