Read Luke 12:1-48
There are two seas in the Holy Land. The northern sea, called the Sea of Galilee, is one of the land’s most beautiful features. Fed by the Jordan River, it waters fertile valleys and helps produce a bounty of fruits and vegetables. Fishermen still ply its depths, finding sustenance and profit.
This is the sea that Jesus loved. He knew its waters in stillness and in storm. Upon its banks He taught many parables, spent many nights, and worked His miracles of love and compassion.
The southern sea, further down the Jordan River, differs greatly from Galilee. Its air is filled with the stench of debris and filth. No man or beast will drink from its bitter waters. No children play along its polluted shores, for this is a lifeless sea. Its very name reveals its nature: The Dead Sea.
Both seas are fed by the same river. But why the stark difference? It’s because the Dead Sea has an inlet to receive the fresh waters, but no outlet to send them on. The fresh waters pour in...only to stagnate and decay.
Can you think of people like this? People who are greedy and selfish, thinking only of getting more and more for themselves? They are like the man in the parable who sought to build bigger barns to protect his increase, never realizing the true nature of his riches.
Our challenge, and our commitment, must be to be “Galilee Christians” — giving out as freely and readily as we take in. For only by living in this way will we be as healthy and joyous as God desires us to be. As Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) says, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
As we give freely and generously to expand the ministry of our church, we are living out the lesson of Scripture. We are discovering the joy of the Galilee principle.
What is God calling you to do today? How will you express your commitment? Share with family and friends the burden God has placed in your heart.