Oil Needed

Bible Reading: Isaiah 61:1-3; Hebrews 1:8-9

“Dad, can I use your oil can to get rid of the squeak in the cupboard doors?” Jayden asked. “Mom said I could oil the hinges. If they don’t get oiled soon, the squeaking is going to drive her crazy.”

Dad laughed as he took the oil can from the workbench and handed it to Jayden. “Then by all means, take it away!” he said.

When Jayden returned the oil can some time later, Dad was still at his workbench. “I oiled the hinges all over the house,” Jayden said. “I told Mom that if she hears any squeaks now, she’ll know we have mice. She says that would really drive her crazy.” They both laughed, and then Jayden went out to play basketball with his friends.

At dinner that evening, Jayden shared the neighborhood news. “Troy and Kai are mad at each other again,” he said. “And did you know that Mrs. Gentry broke her arm? She fell down her front steps.” Jayden helped himself to a piece of ham. “And Mr. Gomez stood at his window for half an hour and watched us play basketball. I guess he doesn’t have anything better to do.” Jayden nibbled his salad.

“It sounds like the people in our neighborhood could use some oil,” Dad observed.

“Oil?” asked Jayden. “What do you mean?”

“The Bible says Jesus gives the ‘oil of joy’ to those who trust in Him, and it sounds like some of our neighbors could use a little joy in their lives,” Dad replied. “I think it would be nice if you spread some oil of joy around the neighborhood.”

“Yeah?” Jayden scratched his head. “I know one thing I can do. I can offer to rake leaves for Mrs. Gentry. I don’t know what I can do about Troy and Kai though—but I’ll think of something!” Jayden eyed the dessert on the counter. “Can I take a piece of pie to Mr. Gomez?” he asked. Then he grinned. “And I better take an extra piece so I can sit down and eat with him!”

Dad nodded. “Those all sound like good ways to spread the joy of Jesus and remind others of His love for them.”

-Hazel W. Marett

How About You?

Are you spreading joy? The Bible says Jesus was anointed with the “oil of joy.” If you belong to Him, you can have that same joy in your heart too. Will you share it with others? Offer a kind word to help someone feel better. Take a few minutes to chat with a neighbor who lives alone. Lend a helping hand to take the hardship out of somebody’s day. Let the joy you have in Jesus point people to Him.

Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 61:3 I will give them the oil of joy instead of sorrow, and a spirit of praise instead of a spirit of no hope. (NLV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Spread joy