Cornerstone

Genesis 3:15

And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head,
and you will strike his heel.”

A monument located in Palo, Leyte, Philippines commemorates the landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur on the beaches of Leyte in October 1944. The Japanese army had invaded the Philippines in 1941. Gen. MacArthur was unsuccessful in overcoming their army and finally he retreated to the Bataan peninsula. Japanese assaults forced him back farther and finally with the promise “I shall return,” he retreated to Australia. While there he accumulated men and material. Finally in late 1942 he began his attack using his famous island hopping tactic. This involved amphibious landings on vulnerable islands avoiding frontal assaults. By the early part of 1944 his soldiers were victorious in most of New Guinea, New Britain, the Solomons and the Admiralty Islands. On October3 20, 1944 he invaded Leyte Island fulfilling the promise he made to return when he left in retreat. Within six months the Philippines were liberated.

A greater promise of deliverance was given in Genesis 3:15. This promise was repeated in various forms through the years and was finally fulfilled when God stepped into the body of a human infant being born in a stable in Bethlehem. In this manner God established a beachhead on earth to bring deliverance to sin enslaved mankind.

Dr. Gayle Woods

Zech. 14:1-11 (9)

I was spellbound as I looked down at the carnage. There laying in my lap was my father’s book which described in word and picture the events that took place during World War II. It showed how his division in the infantry had hopped from island to island throughout the South Pacific.

In the picture that had my attention lifeless bodies carpeted the battlefield. It looked like it would be difficult to pass through the field without stepping on a dead soldier. As I studied the pictures I came to know that this was the trail left by the conqueror.

One day in our future the King of all kings, the Lord of all lords will say it is enough. Those who have rejected Him and rebelled against Him will know the heat of His fury. Those who have scorned Him will wilt before the scorching scrutiny of His examination. All His enemies will be slain.

Only those who have sworn allegiance to King Jesus and who are pleasing in His sight will be left to praise and glorify His name.

At times it seems that the secular pagan has the Christian in retreat. It seems that we are backing up. It seems that we are forced to delay the progress of the kingdom. It seems that we are not victorious. This is when we must recall that the battle is not yet over. The trumpet of God has not yet sounded. The King has not yet mounted His steed. One day Jesus the Captain of our Salvation will look out before Him to see that all are bowing before Him.

Dr. Gayle Woods