Two Seas

In the ancient Bible land that is now occupied by modern Israel, there are two seas. The Sea of Galilee is filled with life. Around its banks grow trees, flowers and food plants, its water teem with fish. Because of the abundance, people eat well and prosper. Sixty five miles south is the Dead Sea; it is really dead. Its borders are barren; its waters are salty. There is no life in it or around it.

There are reasons for these differences. The Sea of Galilee constantly gives away what it receives. At Galilee’s northern end, the Jordan River flows into it. At the southern end, the Jordan flows out of it. Galilee gives and the same river that flows into the Sea of Galilee goes on to flow into the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea has no outlet; it gives nothing away, and as a result it is dead.

There is a lesson to be learned from this: what we give out comes back to us, although not necessarily in a material way. We are like one of these seas. If we give our time, energy, money and talents, we prosper spiritually and are happy. On the other hand, if we keep all that we receive, we have no joy, we do not prosper spiritually. We become as lifeless as the Dead Sea. As we know the truth, we need to go out and give people the good news. The Bible says “the liberal soul shall be made fat, and he that watered shall be watered also himself” (Prov 11:25; Ecc 11,1). “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality” (Rom 12:13).

What does hospitality mean to us? It is defined as a generous welcome to friends or strangers. Hospitality is showing others the love of Christ in practical life. It treats others as we would like to be treated. Hospitality is an important virtue that contributes to the needs of others. “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb 13:2). When we invite people or brethren into our homes, can they feel that we sincerely want them? Or do they hear the words, “I’m host today; will you come to our place for dinner

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory but in lowliness of mind, let each esteem other better than themselves” (Philippians 2). As we wait for the imminent return of the King of Kings, then we have the joy of knowing and rejoicing in the beautiful truth (Psalm 133).

Who then is a faithful and wise servant whom his lord hath made ruler over his household to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he comes shall find him so doing. If we have Christ’s love in our hearts we will want to be hospitable.

Bro Uka Egwu (Ohafia, Nigeria)