How does Judges 5:25 inspire us to serve others with what we have? The Scene in One Verse “ ‘He asked for water, and she gave him milk. In a magnificent bowl she brought him curdled milk.’ ” – Judges 5:25 Why This Moment Matters - Jael was not a soldier, prophet, or judge—she was a wife in a tent on the edge of the battlefield. - What she possessed was simple: milk, a bowl, a place of shelter. - Scripture presents her act as purposeful and God-directed; her ordinary resources became tools in God’s extraordinary plan. Serving Others with What We Have • Availability over abundance – Jael’s tent and pantry were enough. God never asks for what we do not have; He uses what is already in our hands. • Attentiveness to present needs – Sisera asked for water; Jael perceived hospitality would lower his guard and serve God’s larger purpose. Genuine service starts by noticing the need right in front of us. • Excellence in the small things – “In a magnificent bowl” she presented the milk. Quality honors God and dignifies the recipient. • Courage to act – Service sometimes pulls us out of comfort. Jael’s willingness placed her in danger, yet obedience mattered more than safety. • Alignment with God’s purposes – Her service fit into God’s deliverance for Israel (Judges 4:23-24). Our acts of kindness likewise weave into His redemptive work, whether or not we see the full picture. Echoes Across Scripture - Proverbs 3:27: “Do not withhold good from the needy when it is within your power to act.” - Luke 3:11: “The one who has two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” - 1 Peter 4:10: “As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.” - Hebrews 13:16: “And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Practical Steps for Us Today • Inventory your resources—time, skills, space, possessions—and prayerfully place them at God’s disposal. • Start where you are: a meal for a neighbor, a ride to church, a listening ear after work. • Offer your best, not your leftovers; excellence testifies to the worth of the One you serve. • Trust that even hidden acts have kingdom impact; God threads every obedient deed into His story. |
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