Receive freely!

God is the primary giver and we are the primary receivers. Let's excel at receiving!

Many of us were taught to “work hard for God”. Then He would be pleased, and that’s when we could expect His approval and blessing. Perhaps that’s what Martha thought when she invited Jesus in, because she went right to work preparing dinner for Him. Her sister Mary reacted differently. She plopped down at Jesus’ feet, hungry for the Bread of Life and feeding on every word.

Martha tried to serve Jesus— from a dry, empty spirit. She ended up feeling frustrated and alone. Jesus served Mary— from a well of living water, the Holy Spirit— and she was permanently refreshed! In the Kingdom of God we can only serve to the extent we have been refreshed. Jesus is the primary giver; we are the primary receivers. His grace supplies. Our faith takes.

But wait! There’s a bonus! When we take from Jesus, being refreshed by Him, Jesus Himself is refreshed. Do you remember when Jesus ministered to the woman at the well? His disciples showed up with lunch and urged Him to eat. He told them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about … My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work to completion” (John 4).

Simply put, Jesus came to give. We were created to receive to the full. Let’s become great receivers in order to become effective ministers to those who are hungry.