Cornerstone

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

Rom. 12:9-21 (16)

She walked with brisk steps into the guest bedroom. There was just enough light to see where she could place her suitcase. Then suddenly she saw the other person! She jumped back and whirled around in surprise. There looking at her was her own reflection in the full length wall mirror.

I remember how amused I was when I walked by a group of distorted mirrors. I could hardly recognize myself. One mirror made me look tall and skinny. I liked that one. Another mirror made me look short and fat. I moved on quickly to look at the others. Other people near me were not acting their age. They forgot that they were dignified adults as they admired a strange image of themselves.

I sometimes wonder if Jesus is startled or feels chagrin when He sees the image of Himself that we portray by our conduct. When people look upon our lives they should see a perfect likeness of Jesus Christ. Holiness is a reflection of Christ living in our lives. I wonder if they recognize Christ when they look at our lives. Does Christ even recognize Himself when He looks in the mirror of our lives? I wonder.

Dr. Gayle Woods