Cornerstone

Mark 10:13-16

Jesus was always saying things that caused people to stop to ponder. For example: “The only way you can expect to get into the kingdom of God is to do so like a child.” What in the world could He mean? Since we haven’t totally understood we have hammered on the door of the kingdom trying to force our way in.

Napoleon did not follow the direction of Jesus but he seemed to understand the truth. He thought he could be great because he founded a kingdom on force. Toward the end of his life, however he said, “Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ alone founded his empire upon love. And at this hour millions of men would die for him.”

So then, how do we enter the kingdom as a child? First we must consider the characteristics of a child. A child is dependent, weak, pliable, teachable, forgiving, loving, and humble. This does not exhaust the list but sets a workable template for those who would come to Christ. To be forgiven of your sinfulness you must come to Him in sorrow confessing the error of your ways while being willing to cast yourself totally upon His guidance for your life. Can you become childlike in order to find peace with God?

Dr. Gayle Woods

Exodus 2:11-15 (12)

The young man walked urgently down the California street. It was clear to see that he was very serious. His voice carried a long distance down the street as he called out to any one within sight, “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.!”

I followed a car driven by an elderly man who seemed to be just as urgent in his witness. His message was vocally loud but it shouted out in its own way. All across the fenders, bumpers and windows could be seen various stickers urging people to prepare for the coming of the Lord, repent, and turn from various social evils.

Those who are serious about following Jesus all have their own perspective regarding what it means to be an active witness for Christ. Just as Moses who thought he was doing the right thing, however, we often hinder rather than help the process of darkness become light in the understanding of those we hope to reach. Jesus must have had us in mind when He spoke of the need for His disciples to be as “Wise as serpents and yet as harmless as doves.” Before we strike out against evil it would be well if we would see how many prospective Christians we will kill in our onslaught.

Dr. Gayle Woods