Broken Bread, and Poured-Out Wine
Oswald Chambers has said that we are to become "broken bread and poured-out wine" for others. What do you think he means by this?
All through the Bible there are examples of people being "broken" to serve others. Moses was called to endure unending waves of gossip and criticism as he led people to the Promised Land. Joseph was called to a journey that involved betrayal and imprisonment as he was brought to a position of service in Egypt. In each case, God permitted the situations in order that His people's lives could become theaters of. His grace and care, not only for themselves but for the good of others, as well. God may use us in the same way. It is easy to feel angry or hurt in such situations. But as we noted yesterday, meekness is the God-given ability to endure such things "with patience and without resentment."
Read Ezekiel 24:15-27. What's happening here? Why was Ezekiel put through this crucible?
In verse 24 God says, " "Ezekiel will be a sign to you; you will do just as he has done. When this happens, you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord" ' " (NIV). Through Ezekiel's example the people of Israel were going to be convicted of the truth about who God was, the Sovereign Lord—as they experienced the fulfillment of the prophecy that Ezekiel's life was symbolizing. But they would see this only because Ezekiel became broken in the fingers of God—for them. Who knows how many people will see "the Sovereign Lord" through us in our own broken places, as well?
Sooner or later life itself breaks us all. What has been your experience with being broken? What lessons have you learned? How can your own broken soul be used by the Lord to help other people? --------------------------------------------------
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