Water Basket Story

Hold the basket: “Do you think I can carry water… in THIS?” Let’s find out! Many years ago… an old farmer lived in the mountains with his young grandson, Ben. Every morning, Ben would wake up and see his grandfather sitting quietly at the table… reading his Bible.

Ben admired him so much. He wanted to be just like his grandpa. One day, the boy came and said: “Grandpa… I try to read the Bible like you.

But I don’t understand it… and what I do understand, I forget. What’s the use?” His grandfather didn’t answer right way. He thought for a moment… then, loading the last of the coal into the fire… He handed the boy the old, dirty coal basket.

“Take this basket to the river… and bring me back a basket of water.” The boy thought, “That’s strange…” but he obeyed.

He ran to the river, filled the basket, and hurried back. But when he got home… the basket was empty!

All the water leaked out. The grandfather smiled and said, “Ben, Try again… but you’ll have to move a little faster next time.”

Without arguing, the boy ran to the river, dipped the basket in… and began to run even faster this time! But again… empty.

All the water was gone! Ben was a little frustrated at this point. Catching his breath, he went and got a bucket from the shed. He said, “Grandpa!

It’s impossible! You can’t carry water in a basket! I can use this bucket instead!” Grandpa said, “Ben, I don’t want a bucket of water… I want a basket of water.”

“I just want you to try a little bit harder.” So he was off again! Dipped it in the water. Came running back.

He was determined to get his grandpa his basket of water. Grandpa watched as he came in faster than ever, holding it tight as he returned. Out of breath and soaking wet, he was cold… he was almost in tears… Ben said: “See, Grandpa… what’s the use!” Grandpa calmly said, “Ah… you think this was useless?”

“Look at the basket.” Ben looked at the basket… and for the first time he noticed… the basket was different… It was no longer dirty. It was clean… inside and out. Then the grandfather said: “Son… that is what happens when you read the Bible.”

“You may not understand everything.” “You may not remember everything…” “But when you read the Bible… you will be changed… inside and out.”

My young friends… this is the cleansing power of reading God’s Word every single day! Repeat after me: “How can a young man cleanse his way?

By taking heed according to Your word.” Psalm 119:9 Prayer … about reading the Bible every day.