Saturday, April 17: Inlet and outlets

...The Sea of Galilee at dusk

Four years ago, when visiting Israel, we traveled from the southernmost point to the northernmost point. In the south, the city of Eilat borders the Red Sea. From that point, Jordan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia are all visible. In the north, from the old city of Dan, Lebanon and Syria are both visible. It’s amazing to see the stark contrast between the desert landscape north of Eilat and only hours away, see the mountain topography of Dan. The focus of the entire world remains on this little country, relatively the size of New Jersey. The bodies of water in Israel also are starkly different. The greatest contrast exists between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea, and both have spiritual significance.

...My baptism in the Jordan River by Pastors Gerry Brown (left) and Rick Skelton (right)

The Sea of Galilee is filled with fresh water. It has an outlet and an inlet. The inlet brings melted snow from 9,200-foot tall Mt. Hermon, thought by many to be the site of our Lord’s transfiguration. The outlet is the Jordan River, where Jesus and many others have been baptized. The Jordan River is the inlet for the Dead Sea, yet there is no outlet for the Dead Sea. Consequently, there is a buildup of minerals (it is 33% salt) and it cannot sustain any life.


Spiritually, we are filled with rivers of Living Water. We need an inlet and an outlet to grow. Our inlets are the Holy Spirit, prayer and Bible study. Our outlet is telling others of the amazing love that Jesus has given us. Without that outlet, we are like the Dead Sea, unable to support life. Don’t float through your walk with the Lord! Use your inlet and your outlet!

...Floating in the Dead Sea, where due to the high salt content it is impossible to sink

For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.


Matthew 12:34 (NKJV)