Pastor’s Corner: “Living Water or Stagnant Water?”
John 12:24-26 (NLT) – 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.
There are two well-known seas in Israel, the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee teems with life and brings life to the communities around it, while the Dead Sea remains barren. Why? The Sea of Galilee receives its water from the northern mountains. It then overflows to the south, forming the Jordan River. The Dead Sea, by contrast, has no outlet — no overflow. The Dead Sea only receives. This creates a stagnant, life-killing environment.
Similarly, if we receive everything the Lord has for us — salvation, freedom, blessing, inheritance — yet keep it for ourselves, we grow stagnant like the Dead Sea. But if we overflow, we will be like the Sea of Galilee, full of life and blessing for all. Jesus understood this principle and modeled it for us. It was in giving Himself away that Jesus multiplied His life. Like the seed that falls to the ground and dies, Jesus’ death gave way to new life. In dying, Jesus brought about eternal life for all who would lay down their lives and follow Him (John 12:25-26).
1 John 3:16-18 (NLT) – 16 We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? 18 Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.
The Sea that is alive is the one that gives. The more of your self, of your life, of your love, that you pour out, the more alive, filled up, and refreshed you will become. Jesus exemplified this to the greatest extent ever, by giving all He was and all He had, even to those who hated Him and were His enemies. And the love that He gave was returned to Him by His Father in the resurrection, and by all the multitude of His redeemed people throughout all ages and into eternity. Could it possibly be any different for those of us who live lives of giving and loving? We will continue to be filled by the Lord’s infinite abundance no matter how much we pour ourselves out. Of course, if we hold back, keeping all we have to ourselves, we will begin to stagnate. Give and you will live; Love, and you will be filled with God’s love; Hold back, and even that which you have will vanish away.
This limerick sums it up well: There There once was a sea that was dead
It was, ’cause it only got fed
And never gave up
Not one single cup
Now that’s something to keep in your head
Death to self leads to life — in Jesus and in us. As we follow Jesus, we put to death the spirit of self that is so prevalent today. We stop fixating on self-promotion and personal achievement. Instead, as we serve others, we experience the true, free, abundant life God offers. May we be like the Sea of Galilee, receiving God’s riches and letting them overflow into those around us.
In His Grace,
Pastor Hamilton
Some things to consider: What are some ways God has blessed you this season of life? What are some ways you can allow those blessings to bring life to others or the church?