2021 Daily Devotion - Day 339

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If you look at a map of Israel, you will see two major bodies of water. There is the Sea of Galilee around which Jesus spent the early part of His ministry. This is where He walked on the water. It is a body of water that is very much alive. In Jesus’ day, it was a major source for fishing. It is probably still used for fishing today. On one of my visits, I watched a speed boat go by pulling a man on water skis. Nevertheless, it is place of life.

If you look down the map, you will see that the Sea of Galilee gives up its water and it flows to the Dead Sea through the Jordan River. The Dead Sea truly lives up to its name. With its high concentration of salt, nothing can live in the Dead Sea. Fish do not live there and neither do any plants – in or out of the water. However, tourists still go to visit the Dead Sea. The reason is so they can experience floating on the top of the water, which I found to be a tremendous experience.

The point is simply this. The Sea of Galilee gives up its water and as a result, it is alive. The Dead Sea retains all it receives and as a result, it lives up to its name. The same can happen to people and Christians. Many want to hold on to what they have; whether it be their time, talents or treasures. We think it all belongs to us, when in truth, it was merely given to us to use for the time being by God. When we horde and keep our money or service to Christ for ourselves, we become the Dead Sea. But when we learn to give and serve, we find life is alive and more fulfilling. Jesus came not as a taker, but a giver. Allow this season of Lent to transform us to be givers and servants.

Mark 10:45 ESV
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, in our broken condition we can easily become like the Dead Sea. Yet this is not Your will for our lives. It only leads to greater despair. Help us to be more like the Sea of Galilee where we understand You want us to be givers and not takers. Then we will experience Jesus’ teachings of the abundant life. In His holy name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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