Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on
toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in
the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the
Day approaching.
Many years ago three soldiers, hungry and weary of
battle, came upon a small village. The villagers, suffering a meager harvest
and the many years of war, quickly hid what little they had to eat and met the
three at the village square, wringing their hands and bemoaning the lack of
anything to eat.
The soldiers spoke quietly among themselves and the first
soldier then turned to the village elders. "Your tired fields have left
you nothing to share, so we will share what little we have, the secret of how
to make soup from stones." Naturally the villagers were intrigued and soon
a fire was put to the town's greatest kettle as the soldiers dropped in three
smooth stones. "Now this will be a fine soup," said the second
soldier, "but a pinch of salt and some parsley would make it
wonderful!"
Up jumped a villager, crying "What luck! I've just
remembered where some has been left!" And off she ran, returning with an
apron full of parsley and a turnip.
As the kettle boiled on, the memory of the village
improved, soon barley, carrots, beef and cream had found their way into the
great pot, and a cask of wine was rolled into the square as all sat down to
feast.
They ate and danced and sang well into the night,
refreshed by the feast and their new-found friends. In the morning, the three
soldiers awoke to find the entire village standing before them. At their feet
lay a satchel of the village's best breads and cheese.
"You have given us the greatest of gifts, the secret
of how to make soup from stones," said an elder, "and we shall never
forget."
The third soldier turned to the crowd and said,
"There is no secret, but this is certain, it is only by sharing that we
may make a feast."
And off the soldiers wandered, down the road.
Dear Lord, help us take what You have given us and share
it with others. Help us use our talents
and gifts together with others to further Your kingdom. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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