Cornerstone

1 Cor 11:17-34 (26)

They pushed. They shoved. They talked at the same time. The father looked down at his two little boys. It was clear to see that he was perplexed. How do you treat your son as if he were your only son when he isn=t? When would they learn the joy of having a brother? When would they learn that they did not have to be an only son to be loved by their father?

It is so noxious to see two siblings struggling for the attention and favor of their parent. This happens between older siblings as well as those who are still children. The methods may be more sophisticated but the intent is still the same. The change in the tone of voice, the extra animation in communication, the body language all demonstrate the tug of war that is raging between two who want exclusive rights to the one they pursue.

The Corinthian Christians should have been there when Jesus prayed that special prayer. What was His concern for those who followed Him? That they would be one! He wanted to be sure that they would be unified! He did not want them to be fighting over Him . . . He wanted them to love Him and each other as well. He wanted them to remember that they were family. Maybe we also ought to read His prayer once again.

Dr. Gayle Woods

Heb 7:25-28 (26)

Our attention was riveted on our friend who claimed strange magical powers. Before us on the table was a saucer. Our magical had just poured water into the saucer. After that he picked up the pepper shaker and proceeded to dash pepper on the water. His claim was that he was going to cause the pepper to quickly move to the outside of the saucer. We watched breathlessly. Reaching for a bottle of dish washing detergent he proved his point by letting a drop of the detergent fall into the middle of the pepper. It was as if a magnet surrounded the saucer and each grain of pepper was a metal shaving. As soon as the little drop of detergent touched the water the pepper fled to the outskirts of the saucer leaving a clear pool of water in the center.

This is what happens in the life made holy. The same God who told the people to be a separate people said that when we are made holy that, “Old things are passed away…” We are told to “avoid the very appearance of evil.” Our flight from the sin and sinful practices of the world should be radical and rapid. If we are truly holy the flight of the world from us will be just as swift and sure.

Dr. Gayle Woods