Dead Sea or Living Waters?

July 9, 2007

By Gary Rogers

In Israel there are two large bodies of water, the Sea of Galilee in the north and the Dead Sea in the south. Both are fed by the Jordan River. Melting snow from Mount Herman flows down and forms the beginning of the river.

The Sea of Galilee is a beautiful site with palm trees and hill along its banks. Jesus’ ministry was very connected to this sea. He calmed the waters during a storm, and walked on top of them during an evening stroll. He worked miracles, taught many parables, and preached concerning the kingdom of heaven along its banks. Today, hotels and restaurants have made the sea both a vacation attraction and nightspot.

The Dead Sea to the south is a totally different picture. There is a foul odor in the air. Little more than bacteria live in the waters of the Dead Sea. It is the lowest point on earth. The mineral content of the water is so high that when you enter it you cannot sink. You can effortlessly hold whatever position you put your body in the water. If you have any cut or abrasion when you step in the water, watch out.

How can two bodies of water be so different and come from the same source? The Sea of Galilee receives water from the Jordan and then passes it on downstream. The Dead Sea allows water to flow in, but no water can leave. It is so low that it is a perfect inlet, but has no means of passing the water on. Inflowing fresh water becomes stagnant and overburdened with salt and minerals.

These seas, lakes really, illustrate the Christian life. We can be a source of life, renewal and hope; or we can be stagnant, bitter and dead. The difference is in what we do with what we receive. Every Christian receives from the Spirit of Christ. “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His” (Romans 8:9, NKJV).

Everyone who belongs to Jesus has received of the Spirit of Christ. His Spirit is a life-giving spirit. Jesus is the Prince of Life. His Spirit gives hope, joy and life, and we are to reach out and serve others as extensions of the Spirit’s ministry (1 Corinthians 12:7).

If we don’t allow His Spirit to flow through us to others and show Christ’s love in our relationships and service, we quench the Spirit’s work in our own lives. We become stagnant, bitter, and dead. Each of us must allow the Spirit of Christ to move in a fresh flow that never becomes stagnant and constantly is moving through our lives in blessing to those around us.

Gary Rogers is senior pastor of First Assembly of God in Coweta, Okla.