Exactly What They Need

ByJim Stephens

Reading: Matthew 11-13 51 Jesus asked, “Are you starting to get a handle on all this?” They answered, “Yes.” 52 He said, “Then you see how every student well-trained in God’s kingdom is like the owner of a general store who can put his hands on anything you need, old or new, exactly when you need it.” (Matthew 13:51-52 MSG) The stories Jesus told in Matthew 13 are called the “Kingdom Parables.” By telling these stories Jesus is helping the crowds and his students take baby steps closer to understanding what it’s really like to live under God’s authority and care. He said that if they pay close attention and practice what they learn, they can be a great resource to others, able to access exactly what others need exactly when they need it.

I think that a formal education in Biblical knowledge and theology, in church systems and leadership, can be very helpful for some people. However, for most of us, simply reading from the Bible every day, not leaving anything out, journaling our thoughts, applying what we learn in daily living, talking about it with our fellow Christ-followers, and making this a consistent part of our lives, is even better. If you will consistently open yourself to God’s Word, processing and applying what you read and learn, you will be a wonderful resource of wisdom and practical truth to others. You’ll be able, by the Spirit’s inspiration, to put your hands on exactly what they need, exactly when they need it. Ezra had committed himself to studying the Revelation of God, to living it, and to teaching Israel to live its truths and ways. (Ezra 7:10 MSG) Prayer: Father, I pray not only for myself, but also for many others who are reading this today. Help us to apply ourselves to a lifetime of daily, disciplined reading, thinking, processing, learning, and applying your Word to our lives. Help us to position ourselves in rich relationships with others so we can offer and share what we are and have. Help us to be able to put our hands on exactly what others need exactly when they need it. Amen.

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