NOURISHMENT
27th May 2020
John 4 is a fascinating chapter in the gospels. Jesus is in conversation with a woman of disreputable character, the disciples in the local supermarket, and then a revival happens as this woman evangelises her town.
When the disciples want Jesus to enjoy the lunch they have just purchased, He gives them a surprising reply, “I have a kind of food you know nothing about.” and later explains, “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God.” (John 4:32-34 NLT)
So what is the will of God for us at this time? We need to be sensitive to God’s voice and do what He says, and we as believers will be watching out for others, but we too can speak words of faith and blessing, which God promises will also bring real benefit to ourselves.
Luke 6:38 says “Give and it will given unto you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.” As you give so you will receive, as you give love you will receive love, as you show kindness it will also come to you, forgiveness begets forgiveness, encouragement given leads to encouragement received.
There are other scriptures, Proverbs 11:25 says, “Those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” And in 2 Corinthians 9:6 it says, “…whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
In 1 Corinthians 16 we read about Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus who are given special mention by Paul, “For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.”
There are others, who are marked out by their commitment to bring encouragement and comfort such as Titus, 2 Corinthians 7:6 says, “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.” Another unsung hero is Barnabas, who travelled with Paul and is described as a “son of encouragement”.
You could be feeling a little flat and unmotivated, the antidote is to reach out in love and encouragement to someone else, and the promise is, that as you give, encourage and sow seeds of faith, you will receive nourishment from on high.
by Charles Sibthorpe
