The Power of Their Story – #106

Welcome Back! Today, we’ll be looking at the Gospels of Matthew and Mark to see the results of one man’s testimony.

So let’s get started.

(Click here to get a copy of the Gospel Sync document)

Matthew 15:29–31, Mark 7:31–37

Then Jesus left the region of Tyre and went through Sidon and went along the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. Then He went up on a mountain and sat down. Large crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute, and many others, and laid them at His feet, and He healed them.

Some people brought to Him a man who was deaf and hardly able to speak, and they begged Jesus to place His hand on him. So Jesus took him aside privately, away from the crowd, and put His fingers into the man’s ears. Then He spit and touched the man’s tongue. And looking up to heaven, He sighed deeply and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be opened!”). Immediately the man’s ears were opened and his tongue was released, and he began to speak plainly. Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone. But the more He ordered them, the more widely they proclaimed it.

The people were utterly amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. They said, “He has done all things well! He makes even the deaf hear and the mute speak!” And they glorified the God of Israel.

My Thoughts

Remember the last time Jesus was in this region? (Matthew 8:28-34, Luke 8:26-39, Mark 5:1-20) Jesus had healed some men possessed by a legion of demons, drowned a herd of pigs, and was shooed off by a bunch of freaked out people. The crowd couldn’t get rid of Jesus fast enough. Now we see throngs of people (probably Jews and Gentiles alike) showing up to be healed by Jesus. The people had gone from “Freaked Out” to “Focused In.” So now they can’t say enough good things about Jesus!

So what made the difference? One man’s testimony. One of the men delivered from demons went to the Decapolis (10 cities) and told them everything God (Jesus) had done for him just as the Lord had instructed him. (Luke 8:38-39) Apparently, this infamous man’s story and radical transformation was enough to convince people who were originally scared spitless to not only trust Jesus to heal them but gave Him their overwhelming stamp of approval.

Never underestimate the impact of someone’s personal testimony paired with a lifestyle that supports it! As disciple-makers, it’s crucial that we equip those we mentor to share their story in a concise and compelling manner, highlighting the gospel of the kingdom.

My Story

For years, my wife Deb and I have been teaching people how to share a simple testimony with the gospel at its core. We’ve developed a method that we use to teach this important skill. Here’s a link to what we teach. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my story with thousands of people – and that’s not an exaggeration.

In all that time, I’ve kept track of how many people have declined to hear my story. The number might surprise you: only 11. Most of those were apologetic, citing a lack of time rather than a lack of interest.

One of my most memorable experiences occurred in Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, arguably one of the busiest and most chaotic places on Earth. I called out to a Japanese man riding a bike and listening to earbuds, asking if I could tell him my story. To my amazement, he stopped, removed his earbuds, and in excellent English said, “Of course.” This unconventional approach worked because it’s perhaps the simplest, most non-threatening way to share the gospel.

There have been occasions where I’ve approached someone to share my story, only to realize I had already shared with them before. Twice, guys told me they had started attending church and reading their Bible as a result of our previous conversation. I made sure to remind them that my goal was to point them towards Jesus.

While I can’t claim to have led vast numbers of people to salvation, I can say with certainty that sharing the gospel has brought me incredible joy and radically transformed my own life. All of this stems from obeying a simple command: “Go and tell them all the good things God has done for you”.

And as for that Japanese man on the bike in Shibuya Crossing? He gave his life to Christ as Lord and Savior that day. It’s a powerful reminder that God can work in the most unexpected places and circumstances when we’re willing to share our story.

Our Action Plan

Now it’s time for application. Here’s some ideas;

Develop a personal 1-2 minute testimony that has the gospel clearly articulated in it
Develop a simple, Biblical, reproducing method to train others to share their 1-2 minute story
Make a list of all the people you associate with and set a goal to share your story with all of them

The power of personal testimony, when paired with a transformed life, can have a profound impact on others and lead to unexpected opportunities for sharing the gospel. By equipping ourselves and those we mentor with concise, compelling stories that highlight the gospel of the kingdom, we can effectively spread the message of Christ and potentially transform lives, just as the healed man’s testimony changed the hearts of an entire region.

El poder de su historia – #106

¡Bienvenidos nuevamente! Hoy, analizaremos los Evangelios de Mateo y Marcos para ver los resultados del testimonio de un hombre.

Comencemos.

Mateo 15:29-31, Marcos 7:31-37

Luego Jesús dejó la región de Tiro y pasó por Sidón, y bordeando el mar de Galilea, llegó a la región de Decápolis. Luego subió a un monte y se sentó. Grandes multitudes acudieron a Él trayendo a cojos, ciegos, lisiados, mudos y muchos otros enfermos; los pusieron a sus pies y los sanó.

Le trajeron a un hombre sordo y casi sin habla, y le rogaron que pusiera la mano sobre él. Jesús lo tomó aparte, apartado de la multitud, y metió los dedos en los oídos del hombre. Luego escupió y le tocó la lengua. Y levantando los ojos al cielo, suspiró profundamente y le dijo: «Effatá» (que significa: «Ábrete»). Al instante se le abrieron los oídos y se le soltó la lengua, y comenzó a hablar claramente. Jesús les ordenó que no se lo dijeran a nadie. Pero cuanto más les ordenaba, más lo divulgaban.

El pueblo se quedó estupefacto al ver que los mudos hablaban, los lisiados recobraban la salud, los cojos andaban y los ciegos veían. Decían: «Todo lo ha hecho bien; hace oír a los sordos y hablar a los mudos». Y glorificaban al Dios de Israel.

Mis Pensamientos

¿Recuerdas la última vez que Jesús estuvo en esta región? (Mateo 8:28-34, Lucas 8:26-39, Marcos 5:1-20) Jesús había sanado a unos hombres poseídos por una legión de demonios, había ahogado una manada de cerdos y un grupo de personas asustadas lo había echado. La multitud no podía deshacerse de Jesús lo suficientemente rápido. Ahora vemos multitudes de personas (probablemente judíos y gentiles por igual) que se presentan para ser sanadas por Jesús. La gente había pasado de estar “asustada” a estar “concentrada”. ¡Así que ahora no pueden decir suficientes cosas buenas sobre Jesús!

Entonces, ¿qué hizo la diferencia? El testimonio de un hombre. Uno de los hombres liberados de los demonios fue a la Decápolis (10 ciudades) y les contó todo lo que Dios (Jesús) había hecho por él tal como el Señor le había instruido. (Lucas 8:38-39) Aparentemente, la historia de este hombre infame y su transformación radical fueron suficientes para convencer a las personas que originalmente estaban muertas de miedo no solo de confiar en que Jesús los sanaría, sino que también le dieron su abrumadora aprobación.

¡Nunca subestimes el impacto del testimonio personal de alguien acompañado de un estilo de vida que lo respalde! Como hacedores de discípulos, es crucial que equipemos a aquellos a quienes asesoramos para que compartan su historia de una manera concisa y convincente, resaltando el evangelio del reino.

Mi Historia

Durante años, mi esposa Deb y yo hemos estado enseñando a las personas cómo compartir un testimonio sencillo con el evangelio como eje central. Hemos desarrollado un método que utilizamos para enseñar esta importante habilidad. Aquí hay un enlace a lo que enseñamos. Durante los últimos 15 años, he tenido el privilegio de compartir mi historia con miles de personas, y no es una exageración.

En todo ese tiempo, he llevado un registro de cuántas personas se han negado a escuchar mi historia. La cifra puede sorprenderle: solo 11. La mayoría de ellos se disculparon, citando falta de tiempo en lugar de falta de interés.

Una de mis experiencias más memorables ocurrió en el cruce de Shibuya de Tokio, posiblemente uno de los lugares más concurridos y caóticos de la Tierra. Llamé a un hombre japonés que iba en bicicleta y escuchaba con auriculares y le pregunté si podía contarle mi historia. Para mi asombro, se detuvo, se quitó los auriculares y, en un inglés excelente, dijo: “Por supuesto”. Este enfoque poco convencional funcionó porque es quizás la manera más simple y menos amenazante de compartir el evangelio.

Ha habido ocasiones en las que me he acercado a alguien para compartir mi historia, solo para darme cuenta de que ya la había compartido con esa persona antes. Dos veces, los chicos me dijeron que habían comenzado a asistir a la iglesia y a leer su Biblia como resultado de nuestra conversación anterior. Me aseguré de recordarles que mi objetivo era guiarlos hacia Jesús.

Si bien no puedo afirmar que haya guiado a una gran cantidad de personas a la salvación, puedo decir con certeza que compartir el evangelio me ha traído una alegría increíble y ha transformado radicalmente mi propia vida. Todo esto se debe a obedecer un simple mandato: “Ve y cuéntales todas las cosas buenas que Dios ha hecho por ti”.

¿Y en cuanto a ese hombre japonés en la bicicleta en el cruce de Shibuya? Él entregó su vida a Cristo como Señor y Salvador ese día. Es un poderoso recordatorio de que Dios puede obrar en los lugares y circunstancias más inesperados cuando estamos dispuestos a compartir nuestra historia.

Nuestro Plan de Acción

Ahora es el momento de la aplicación. Aquí hay algunas ideas:

Desarrolle un testimonio personal de 1 a 2 minutos que articule claramente el evangelio

Desarrolle un método simple, bíblico y reproducible para capacitar a otros para que compartan su historia de 1 a 2 minutos

Haga una lista de todas las personas con las que se relaciona y establezca una meta para compartir su historia con todas ellas

El poder del testimonio personal, cuando se combina con una vida transformada, puede tener un profundo impacto en los demás y conducir a oportunidades inesperadas para compartir el evangelio. Al equiparnos a nosotros mismos y a aquellos a quienes asesoramos con historias concisas y convincentes que resalten el evangelio del reino, podemos difundir eficazmente el mensaje de Cristo y potencialmente transformar vidas, tal como el testimonio del hombre sanado cambió los corazones de toda una región.

Si ve un problema importante en la traducción, envíeme una corrección por correo electrónico a charleswood1@gmail.com

Kingdom Kernel #5 – The Multiplicative Mission of the King

Isaiah 9:1-7 & Jeremiah 23:1-8 – The Multiplicative Nature of God’s Kingdom: A Prophetic and Christological Exploration

Introduction

The concept of the multiplicative nature of the Kingdom of God is a profound theme woven throughout Scripture, revealing the expansive and transformative power of God’s reign. This essay will analyze this concept, focusing on the word “multiply” in the context of Isaiah 9:1-7 and Jeremiah 23:1-8, while using Jesus as the perfect example to follow.

Etymological Analysis

In Hebrew, the word for “multiply” is רָבָה (rabah – Strong’s H7235), which means to increase, become numerous, or grow. This term appears in Isaiah 9:7, where it is prophesied that “of the increase (מִרְבֵּה, mirbeh- Strong’s H4766) of his government and of peace there will be no end.” The root word carries connotations of abundance, expansion, and fruitfulness, all of which are central to understanding the nature of God’s kingdom.

Theological Significance

Biblical Foundation

The concept of multiplication is foundational to God’s interaction with humanity. In Genesis 1:22,28, God’s first command to living creatures and humans is to “be fruitful and multiply.” This command is reiterated to Noah and his sons after the flood (Genesis 9:1,7), establishing multiplication as a divine mandate for creation.

Covenant Promises

God’s covenant with Abraham further emphasizes this theme. In Genesis 17:2,6, God promises to multiply Abraham exceedingly and make him fruitful. This promise becomes a cornerstone of Israel’s identity, as seen when Moses reminds God of His promise to multiply Abraham’s descendants (Exodus 32:13).

Isaiah 9:1-7

This passage presents a powerful prophecy of the coming Messiah who will bring light to those in darkness and increase the nation’s joy. The prophecy culminates in the promise of an eternal kingdom established and upheld with justice and righteousness. Jesus fulfills this prophecy, bringing light to the world (John 8:12) and establishing a kingdom that continually expands.

Jeremiah 23:1-8

This text further illustrates the multiplicative concept, promising a righteous Branch from David’s line who will reign wisely and execute justice. This Messianic figure, identified as Jesus, will gather the remnant of God’s flock and cause them to be fruitful and multiply (Jeremiah 23:3). This multiplication is not just in number but in righteousness and faithfulness to God.

Jesus as the Perfect Example

Jesus, as the perfect embodiment of God’s kingdom, exemplifies this multiplicative nature throughout His ministry. He begins with twelve disciples but ultimately commands them to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), initiating a process of exponential growth. This multiplication is not merely numerical but encompasses spiritual transformation and the spread of God’s reign.

The multiplicative nature of God’s kingdom is evident in Jesus’ parables and actions. In the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-32), Jesus describes the kingdom starting small but growing into something vast and life-sustaining. Similarly, the parable of the yeast (Matthew 13:33) illustrates how the kingdom’s influence permeates and transforms society. Jesus demonstrates divine multiplication in action by feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish (Luke 9:16), a physical manifestation of God’s ability to multiply resources beyond human expectation.

Divine Attributes and Redemptive Plan

This concept reveals God’s desire for His reign to extend to all aspects of creation. It demonstrates His redemptive plan to restore and multiply what was lost through sin. The multiplicative nature of the kingdom points to Christ’s eternal reign, which will continue to expand in influence and power throughout eternity. This is further illustrated in Ezekiel 36:10-11, where God declares He will multiply people and animals on the land of Israel, symbolizing the restoration and growth of His kingdom.

Implications for Believers

For believers today, understanding this concept transforms our perspective on kingdom work. It encourages us to see our small acts of faithfulness as seeds of exponential growth in God’s hands. The parable of the talents (Matthew 25:20-21) illustrates spiritual multiplication through faithful stewardship, challenging believers to actively participate in the kingdom’s expansion. We are called to recognize that our efforts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can have far-reaching effects.

Conclusion

The multiplicative nature of God’s kingdom, exemplified perfectly in Jesus, reveals a dynamic, ever-expanding reign that transforms individuals, communities, and ultimately the entire creation. It calls us to embrace our role in this divine multiplication, trusting that God can use our faithful obedience to produce abundant fruit for His kingdom. This concept illuminates Jesus’ kingship and the expansive, eternal nature of God’s kingdom, offering both scholarly insight and inspirational truth for contemporary Christian understanding.

Disciple-Maker’s Short Story

The Mission to Multiply

The mess hall buzzed with the usual lunchtime chatter, but in a quiet corner, Sergeant First Class Hernandez and Lieutenant Banks sat engrossed in conversation. Their trays of food lay half-forgotten as they leaned in, discussing matters far beyond the day’s training schedule.

“So, LT, what’s on your mind today?” SFC Hernandez asked, noticing the thoughtful expression on his young platoon leader’s face.

Lieutenant Banks hesitated, then spoke. “Sergeant, I was reading Jeremiah 23 and Matthew 28 this morning. There’s something about God wanting to multiply His followers that’s got me thinking.”

Hernandez nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Ah, you’ve stumbled upon the Great Commission, sir. It’s the heart of what we’re called to do as believers.”

“The Great Commission?” Banks furrowed his brow. “I’ve heard that term, but I’m not sure I fully grasp it.”

Hernandez leaned back, his eyes alight with passion. “It’s simple, yet profound, sir. Jesus, after His resurrection, gave us a mission. He said, ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'”

Banks nodded slowly, absorbing the words. “So it’s about spreading the faith?”

“It’s more than that, sir. It’s about multiplication. Think of it like our military strategy. We don’t just want to hold ground; we want to expand our influence, right?”

“Right,” Banks agreed.

“Well, the Great Commission is God’s strategy for expanding His kingdom. It’s not just about converting people; it’s about making disciples who will, in turn, make more disciples. It’s exponential growth.”

Banks’ eyes widened with understanding. “Like a chain reaction.”

“Exactly, sir. And here’s the kicker – this isn’t a new idea. It goes all the way back to God’s promise to Abraham that all peoples on Earth would be blessed through him. The Great Commission is the fulfillment of that ancient promise.”

Banks leaned forward, his food completely forgotten now. “So how do we do this, Sergeant? How do we fulfill this Commission?”

Hernandez smiled warmly. “Sir, we’ve been doing it since the day we met. Remember when I first shared my faith with you? That was the Great Commission in action. And now, look at you, diving into Scripture, asking questions, growing in your faith. That’s discipleship.”

Banks sat back, a look of awe on his face. “I never thought of it that way. You’ve been living this out all along, haven’t you?”

“You caught me with my hand in the cookie jar, sir!” They both laughed. “It’s our mission and it’s not always easy, but it’s what we’re called to do. Just like we train our soldiers to be leaders who can train others, we’re called to be disciples who make disciples.”

“It’s a big responsibility,” Banks mused.

“It is,” Hernandez agreed. “But remember, Jesus said He has all authority in heaven and on earth, and He promised to be with us always. We’re not doing this alone.”

As they finished their lunch, Banks looked at Hernandez with newfound respect. “Thank you, Sergeant. For living this out, for showing me what it means to follow Christ. I want to be like that – like Jesus, multiplying His love and truth wherever I go.”

Hernandez nodded, his eyes shining. “That’s the goal, sir. To become more like Jesus every day, and to help others do the same. That’s the heart of the Great Commission.”

As they stood to leave, both men felt a renewed sense of purpose. Their mission as soldiers took on a deeper meaning, intertwined with a greater calling – to be part of God’s multiplicative kingdom, spreading His love and truth to all nations, starting right here in their own platoon.

Kingdom Kernel #1 – God’s All Volunteer Army

Kingdom Kernel Collection

The LORD says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” The LORD will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; in holy array, from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew. The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at Your right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath. He will judge among the nations, He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country. He will drink from the brook by the wayside; therefore He will lift up His head.

(Psalm 110:1-7)

My dear friend Steve Smith, a brilliant missiologist, always began our training sessions with a profound “Kingdom Kernel.” His foundational statement that “if you understand the kingdom, you will understand what Jesus is saying about the Christian life” resonated deeply with me. Unfortunately, Steve passed a few years back but his example and teaching has stuck with me. I’d like to continue his line of kingdom thinking in my writing.

And our church recently decided to dedicate 2025 to studying the kingdom of God. So in light of these two converging inspirations, I’ll be writing a blog series that blends theological reflection with practical discipleship stories from my key take-a-ways. Each post will offer a concise essay paired with a short story of disciple-makers putting these kingdom principles into action. This is the first installment;

Psalm 110:1-7 – Freely Volunteering: The Messianic Dynamics of Willing Service in Psalm 110

Introduction: A Prophetic Glimpse of Divine Kingship

Psalm 110 stands as a profound messianic prophecy, rich with imagery of divine kingship and priestly authority. At the heart of this psalm lies a powerful concept: “Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power” (Psalm 110:3). This phrase encapsulates a profound truth about the nature of God’s kingdom and the relationship between the Messiah and His followers.

Linguistic Roots: Unpacking the Hebrew Terminology

The Hebrew phrase “ned-aw-baw’ ‘am” (Strongs H5071 & H5971) is central to understanding this concept. “ned-aw-baw’ ” comes from the root naw-dab’, which carries the sense of willingness, voluntariness, and free-will offerings. This root is used elsewhere in Scripture to describe generous, unprompted giving to God’s work. The term “’am” means “your people,” emphasizing the personal relationship between the king and his subjects.

Messianic Context: Christ’s Authoritative Reign

In the context of Psalm 110, this phrase takes on profound messianic significance. The psalm opens with the declaration, “The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet'” (Psalm 110:1). This verse, quoted extensively in the New Testament, establishes the divine authority of the Messiah. Jesus Himself used this passage to assert His identity as both David’s son and David’s Lord, transcending mere human kingship.

Theological Dimensions of Voluntary Service

The concept of freely volunteering people takes on new depth when viewed through the lens of Christ’s kingship. Unlike earthly rulers who may compel service through force or coercion, the Messiah’s reign is characterized by the willing, joyful submission of His people. This reflects the transformative nature of God’s kingdom, where hearts are changed from within, leading to voluntary service.

Interpretive Layers: Power, Willingness, and Divine Sovereignty

The phrase “in the day of Your power” (khah’-yil – Strongs 2428) further illuminates this concept. “khah’-yil” can refer to strength, army, or wealth, suggesting a day of the Messiah’s manifest power and authority. This day is not merely a future event but encompasses the entire era of Christ’s reign, from His resurrection and ascension to His final triumph over all enemies.

Key Theological Implications

Theologically, this concept reveals several key aspects of God’s character and redemptive plan:

1. Divine Sovereignty: God’s power is such that it inspires willing devotion rather than forced compliance.

2. Human Free Will: The emphasis on volunteering highlights the importance of human choice in God’s kingdom.

3. Transformative Grace: The willingness of God’s people points to the inner work of the Holy Spirit, changing hearts to align with God’s will.

4. Eschatological Hope: The “day of Your power” looks forward to the full manifestation of Christ’s reign.

Contemporary Spiritual Significance

For believers today, this concept carries profound implications. It challenges us to examine the nature of our service to Christ. Are we merely following religious obligations, or are we “volunteering freely” out of love and gratitude? It also offers encouragement, reminding us that Christ’s power is not oppressive but liberating, inspiring joyful, willing service.

The Transformative Power of Willing Devotion

The concept of God’s people volunteering freely in the day of His power beautifully encapsulates the nature of Christ’s kingship. It speaks of a kingdom characterized by willing hearts, transformed by grace, eagerly participating in the Messiah’s reign. This vision of freely given devotion stands as a testament to the compelling love of Christ and the transformative power of His kingdom.

Song – “Free to Serve”

Disciple-Maker’s Short Story

“The Plumbing of the Soul”

The old pickup truck rumbled down Main Street, its bed laden with plumbing supplies. Dave, his salt-and-pepper hair ruffled by the breeze from the open window, glanced at Stew in the passenger seat. The younger man’s face was a canvas of conflicting emotions – determination mingled with uncertainty.

“You know, Stew,” Dave began, his voice warm and gravelly, “this plumbing project we’re tackling isn’t just about fixing leaks. It’s about understanding the very essence of what it means to serve like Jesus.”

Stew’s eyebrows knitted together. “How do you figure that, Dave?”

Dave’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “It’s all about the difference between ‘I want to’ and ‘I have to.’ When Jesus served, He didn’t do it out of obligation. He did it because He wanted to, out of love.”

As they pulled into the hardware store parking lot, Dave continued, “Remember Psalm 110? It talks about people volunteering freely in the day of God’s power. That’s the heart of Christ-like service – not duty, but willing devotion.”

Stew nodded slowly, the concept beginning to take root. “So, it’s about changing our attitude?”

“It goes deeper,” Dave replied, turning off the engine. “It’s about aligning our will with God’s, just as Jesus did. He said, ‘I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.’ That’s the model we’re aiming for.”

As they entered the store, they were greeted by the sight of a young employee named Mike, his posture slumped and eyes downcast.

“Can I help you?” Mike mumbled, his voice devoid of enthusiasm.

Dave’s eyes lit up. “Mike, my friend! We’re on a mission to conquer some stubborn pipes, and I believe God’s placed you here to help us. What do you think?”

Mike blinked, taken aback by Dave’s genuine warmth. “Uh, sure. What are you looking for?”

As Dave described their project, he listened intently to Mike’s suggestions, treating the young man’s knowledge with respect. Stew watched in amazement as Mike’s demeanor transformed. His posture straightened, eyes brightened, and soon he was eagerly offering advice.

“You see, Stew?” Dave whispered as Mike led them down an aisle. “We didn’t force him to help. We invited him to be part of something meaningful, just as Jesus invites us into His work.”

Stew nodded, a new understanding dawning. “It’s like… he’s volunteering freely, just like the Psalm says.”

“Exactly,” Dave grinned. “Now, let’s apply this to our project. Instead of thinking ‘I have to fix these pipes,’ try ‘I want to serve my neighbors by ensuring they have clean, flowing water – just as Jesus came to give living water.’ Feel the difference?”

As they gathered their supplies, Stew found himself engaging with other customers, sharing tips and offering encouragement. The ‘chore’ had become an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love.

Leaving the store, arms full of pipes and tools, Stew turned to Dave. “I think I’m starting to get it now. It’s not just about the task, it’s about having the heart of Jesus in everything we do.”

Dave nodded, his eyes misty. “That’s it, Stew. When we align our will with God’s, just as Jesus did, service becomes joy. We’re not just fixing pipes; we’re participating in God’s work of restoration and love.”

As they drove home, the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and purple. Stew gazed out the window, his mind no longer on the upcoming work, but on the transformative power of Christ-like service. He realized that true freedom wasn’t the absence of obligations, but the choice to embrace them with the heart of Jesus – full of love, compassion, and a desire to do the Father’s will.

“Dave,” Stew said softly, “I want to learn to serve like Jesus. Not because I have to, but because I truly want to.”

Dave smiled, placing a hand on Stew’s shoulder. “That, my friend, is the beginning of a beautiful journey. Let’s pray for God to shape our hearts to be more like His Son’s.”

As they pulled into the driveway, both men felt a renewed sense of purpose. The plumbing project ahead was no longer just a task – it was an opportunity to grow in Christ-likeness, one willing act of service at a time.

I’d appreciate your feedback on this new series. Please leave a comment below.

Kingdom Kernel Collection