In John Chapter Six, Jesus brought a life-changing perspective. The chapter begins with Him feeding thousands of people with a few fish and loaves of bread. The chapter continues with Jesus revealing the consumption mindset of people, “Give me” or “Gimme.” The chapter ends with Jesus revealing himself as the Bread of Life who nourishes the total person and sets people on the path to life-long growth and development, “Grow me.”
Listen to new teaching on the Firm Foundation Podcast:
The Bread of Life: From "Gimme" to "Grow Me."
John 6:24 when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?” 26 Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him."
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1 King 17:15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.
Following God-ordained instructions is one of the significant keys to self-worth and provision. The Lord sent Elijah to Zarephath to help an impoverished widow and her son. The instruction was for her to provide Elijah with a modest meal. This seemed like an unfair request given her status. (Read entire story in 1 Kings 17:8-24)
When helping people in difficulty, one of the most important tasks is to help them change their mindset. No matter how desperate your situation, you still retain the dignity of generosity. By asking her to provide him with a meal, she stepped out of her need in order to do something godly.
This act of sacrificial generosity elevated her sense of dignity and brought the blessing of God into her and her son's life!
Following the Lord’s instructions is always the best policy!
John 1:16, For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.
We hear about “mantles” sometimes today in church circles. A mantle was a sign of authority, power, and responsibility as God’s spokesman. This is something drawn from a previous era when people did not know Jesus and could not be filled with the Holy Spirit in the same manner as today. More importantly, ever since Jesus came "full of grace and truth” our faith and focus has changed.
The story of Elisha receiving a mantle of authority from the prophet Elijah represents something much more powerful today through Jesus Christ. The mantle that God has made for you is not the representation of something symbolized by a cloth or garment, but actual GRACE to empower you!
The stories in the Bible about mantles are important so long we understand what God is doing today. One important principle we carry forward is the reality of making good choices, of growth and PROCESS.
1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
The mantle God has made for us is His GRACE. Grace is God’s favor, ability, operational power, and everything He has that He makes available to you and me.
Peter wrote about a "living hope." This is the God empowering process of how we grow and become better, even in the midst of testings we grow like gold refined by fire. IN CHRIST, YOU ARE GOLD! Gold is not consumed by fire, it only become more pure.
Your mantle is all that you have received from God. Your mantle is “grace upon grace.”
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I invite you to listen to my message from Sunday, April 30, "A Mantle Made For You"
