It was uncovered a few weeks ago in my sister’s home.  It was a box marked, in my mom’s handwriting, “Brenda Very Fragile!!!”  Kept for us, until a later date, this box, that I had forgotten about, contained a tea-set from my mom’s, mom’s, mom. Opening it was a delight.  The dainty teacups will be used one day, when gathering with others will once again be our privilege.

This surprise find came to mind as I was reading from the Bible a few days ago; “For I received from the Lord what I passed onto you” (1 Corinthians 11:23).  Paul is passing on something that he has been taught, from the Lord, via someone else.  He is passing his valuable learning to others.

We pass things on which are important, those things that have value, meaning and purpose. We pass on those things which are significant. If things are not of value, not only will we not keep them, but they also won’t be passed on to anyone else.

In thinking about passing things on to others I am caused to pause, and I invite you to pause, asking whether there is anything we have learned, from the Lord, during Covid19, that should be passed on to someone else.  Dishes passed down generation to generation are delightful, but they will not last.  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19,20).

Truths passed down, that the Lord has taught, can affect generations and eternity! Is there anything you have learned from the Lord that you should pass on to someone else?  Today, we don’t want this personal treasure to be put on a shelf, in a closet, and forgotten about.  There is someone who today needs to receive from you what you received from the Lord.  Did you receive comfort? Talk about it.  Did you more profoundly understand who Jesus is? Tell it.  Did you have a day when a verse from the Bible arrived for you at just the right moment?  Mention this to someone else.  Covid19 still surrounds us but the gifts of God, sent by the Spirit, have surrounded us as well, for over a year. Those gifts, we have received, need to be shared.

Paul was quick to say, “Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized” (Philippians 4:9). Paul was not hesitant to share with others and neither should we!  Join me in asking God for opportunities to pass on to those around us the things of God. This week, and in the days to come, may there be those who have heard from us, “For I received from the Lord what I passed onto you.”  (1 Corinthians 11:23). 

200: Tell Out The Wonderful Story

1. Tell out the wonderful story,
Tell it where'er you go;
Tell of the king and His glory,
Tell how He loved us so.
This is the story most precious,
Jesus has died to redeem us;
You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.

You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.
Somebody's life will be brighter,
Somebody's care will be lighter;
You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.

2. Never a story so wondrous,
Tell it to all around;
While we were sinners He loved us,
Mercy and grace abound.
Wandering and weary He sought us,
Back to the Father He brought us;
You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.

You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.
Somebody's life will be brighter,
Somebody's care will be lighter;
You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.

3. Wonderful story of Jesus,
Tell every sin sick soul;
Wonderful message of mercy,
Jesus can make them whole.
Still flows the wonderful river,
From every sin to deliver;
You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.

You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.
Somebody's life will be brighter,
Somebody's care will be lighter;
You can tell out the sweet story,
You, yes, you.

Living God, giver of good gifts, we have received from your hand of goodness and grace over the past year of great challenges.  We pause to remember and be reminded of those moments of learning about you and through you. Make us messengers of your truth passing along those things that will be treasures that last into eternity.  AMEN

With care and in prayer,