In our house we always have something that is overflowing. The kitchen trash can. What is it about not wanting to replace the liner? Time – Laziness - A sense of our own self importance? Come on you say, it takes time to remove the full bag; tie it up, put a new liner in, and take the full bag to the larger receptacle outside. Who has that kind of extra time? What, it might take an entire minute? Maybe two?
Once you step out of bed in the morning, evidence of overflow is everywhere. If we’re not paying attention, commodes, sinks, and bathtubs can flow over their brims; resulting in costly clean up and repairs. Dead leaves that have accumulated in rain gutters can cause them to sag and become blocked. Subsequent repairs and replacement can be expensive. What about a river that has which has spilled out over its banks? Even a simple downpour of rain can result in flooded streets or even unexpected mud slides in some locations.
On the other hand, overflow can also be a beautiful thing. Who hasn’t strolled through a nice-looking park and enjoyed the sound of trickling waters coming from a fountain. One fountain I enjoy has three chambers which empty into a large basin at the bottom. The shimmering sunlit glow of cascading water is mesmerizing. Experts tell us that observing or experiencing the movement of water can lower stress and promote a calming effect. (Or some say, remind you of the need to go to the bathroom.)
One of my favorite Bible stories is the account of the prophet Elisha helping a poor widow woman. Her situation was desperate. The creditors were coming to take her two sons as slaves. Elisha asked a simple question, “What do you have in the house?” “Just a flask of oil,” she replied. The prophet then instructed the widow woman to borrow empty jars from her friends and neighbors. After doing this she and her sons shut the door and began pouring oil into an empty jar. When that jar was filled, they continued to pour oil into the next one, and the next, and… You get the picture. A miracle! When did the oil stop? When there were no more jars to be filled. The jars of oil allowed the widow to pay off all of her debts. Then she and her sons could live on what was left over. What a fantastic picture of overflow!
Is your vessel full today? Oh it’s full you say, but full of what? Stress, worry, or guilt? Why not empty yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to fill you to overflowing. Why not overflow with joy, peace and love; reflecting the mesmerizing radiance of our Savior?
The story of the widow woman and jar of oil, found in 2 Kings Chapter four; was first shared with me nearly twenty five years ago by Edward Musgrave, while attending a men’s retreat. Only in recent times has the story become popular. I’m thankful to Mr. Musgrave for sharing this powerful story; and the passion for Christ that his life reflected. This story has inspired me a number of times over the last several years. Ed went to be with the Lord last week after a series of medical challenges. His love and devotion for Christ was demonstrated in a life of constant overflow to others. This blog entry is dedicated to his life and ministry.
