Two Seas
by Malcolm Wood
Those who are familiar with the maps in the back of their Bible or who have had the privilege of visiting Israel will be aware of the fact that in that country there are two large areas of water. But these two ‘seas’, as they are known, are so very different.
In the North one gives pleasure to all who view it, sit beside it, sail on it or swim in it. Its shores are surrounded by green fertile land where sheep safely graze. Trees and crops produce their harvests. Children play happily at the water’s edge and shoals of fish swim in its depths. It’s certainly a place of natural beauty, portraying life, vitality and productivity.
On the other hand the ‘sea’ in the South couldn’t be more different. Surrounded by a harsh barren landscape where there’s no grass, trees, crops or sheep, the salt laden-water can’t support life. There are no fish. The whole area presents a picture of total desolation. This sea is so rightly named ‘the Dead Sea’. The other is of course ‘the Sea of Galilee’.
Two seas - so different, and yet they have one thing in common. The River Jordan flows into both of them. Why then are they so different? I’m told the answer is that, with the Galilee, the river flows in and out of it and so fresh water is continually flowing through it. But, with the Dead Sea, there is no way out. The water either evaporates in the heat of the region or is absorbed by the salts-laden ground.
This is such a challenging picture for the believer. We all have the potential of receiving the continual flow of the blessings of God into our lives - but what do we do with them? We can either hold on to them for ourselves, thinking that by so doing we are absorbing all that God has for us. Or we can allow these blessings to be used to bless others (the outflow) and produce fruit in our lives.
Our lives can either become dry, barren and fruitless or be a source of blessing to others. It depends on whether we allow the Lord by His Spirit to flow through us to others. The choice is ours!
Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to become so full of You that I just can’t help but overflow with Your love and blessing to others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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