188 – The Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea have the same source. Why are they so different?
Have you ever noticed how many water metaphors there are in the Bible?
One of the most important ones is not specifically mentioned. You have to know the geography of the Holy Land to understand it.
The Sea of Galilee has fresh water coming into and water flows out of it. As a result, the Sea of Galilee is teaming with life.
The Dead Sea has fresh water flowing into it, but there's no outlet for the water. It can only evaporate. All the minerals and sediments are left behind. Over thousands of years these deposits have become so concentrated that nothing can live in or around it.
These two seas are metaphors for how we live.
Are you someone who receives and gives in return. Or are you someone who takes, but never gives back.
In this week's episode I talk about several Bible characters who either have the Dead Sea approach to life or the Sea of Galilee mentality.
- Nabal, Abigail's husband
- The man who tore down his barns to build bigger ones
- Joseph
- Ananias, who healed Saul of blindness
- Dorcas, also known as Tabitha
The Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea don’t have a choice as to how the water comes in and goes out of them. But you and I do have a choice.
Be a cheerful giver. And I would add, be a cheerful and grateful receiver. You probably already are.
It’s not about the amount of resources you are given or how much time or money or effort you give. It’s about the gratitude for and generosity of God’s love that overflows in your heart to bless those around you.
To read the full transcript of this episode and to study all the Bible references mentioned this week, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/188.
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
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