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Incomparable Gift

“But when God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life”¹

Dana Chau tells the story about a missionary in Africa who had poor health and depended on goat milk for his source of vitamin. One day, the tribal leader came to visit the missionary. After a few minutes, it was obvious that the tribal leader was interested in the goat. The missionary decided to give the goat to the tribal leader as a gesture of kindness to build the trust needed to share the love of God. In return, the tribal leader gave the missionary his walking stick. Without the goat milk, the missionary became weaker and weaker over the next couple of days. Using the walking stick he got from the tribal leader, he walked into the village to purchase some goat milk. When he offered to buy the goat milk, his money was not accepted. Instead, he was told that he was entitled to anything in this village that he wanted. When the missionary asked why, the villagers explained that the walking stick he held was the scepter belonging to the tribal leader. Possessing that scepter entitled him to everything in the village.

What a beautiful and generous gift this missionary unknowingly received. He kindly gave what he had to the tribal leader looking to build trust and relationship, but received more than he could have imagined in return.

 

The same is true with us and God. There is nothing we could ever do to outgive Him. He not only gave us Salvation through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, but he also gave us the opportunity to have a personal relationship with him, he gave us His Holy Spirit to guide and comfort us always, and he gave us eternal life in Heaven with Him. He calls us His children and when we choose to accept his gift, He will supply all our needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.² All we must do is give him our heart.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, thank you for all that you have given me and all you allow me to enjoy. Your gift to me came at a great price, and I will never be able to repay it. I ask that you allow me to accept it with humility and gratitude, and that I would not take it for granted, but instead that I would share it with others. I give you my heart and ask that you help me live in obedience to you. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

1. Titus 3:4-7 (NLT).

2. Philippians 4:19 (NIV).

 

Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.