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| Volume 23 Number 8 August 2021 |
Page 10 |
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| Volume 23 Number 8 August 2021 |
Page 10 |
It All Hinges on Seven Days
Terry Wheeler
A renowned atheist, Stephen Jay Gould, as he was struggling with cancer, took it upon himself before he died to discover the real reason the world followed a seven-day week. He rejected outright the revelation of Genesis and sought what to him would be a reasonable alternative. He found none.
However, since I heard of his fool’s errand, I also began to wonder, “Why seven days?” Certainly, God could have made the week as long as He chose, and seven is a number of perfection. Yet, there is always a solid rationale with God that He reveals to men, and now, I can share it with you.
It takes seven days (one week) for the moon to get through one of its phases (new, waxing first quarter, full, waning third quarter). In four weeks, the moon completes its phase cycle (one month). In three completions of its cycle, a season is complete (validated by what constellation is visible in the night sky: Orion for winter, Leo for spring, Scorpius for summer, Andromeda for fall). After four seasons, the year is complete.
There it is. Notice I did not say it was complicated. Frankly, from the beginning, men have had to hold to such knowledge for survival, especially in planting and harvesting. In addition, with what we know now of the stars and celestial mechanics, even more the majesty and intricacy of this grand creation are broadcast and shown to be for us here on earth.
It all hinges on our seven-day week (Exodus 20:11). It is all found already revealed in God’s Holy Word. No wonder Mr. Gould could not see it. It was over his head.
The Light of the World
Cliff Holmes
“Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life’” (John 8:12 NKJV). While listening to a song, I heard the question asked, “Where’s the light?” The singer then asked, “Could what I just heard be right? I’m the light, I’m the light?”
May I suggest to you that the answer is, “Yes.” I am the light; you are the light; we all are the light. If we are truly followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, then, we are the light.
Jesus not only said “I am the light,” but He stated that all who would follow Him will not walk in darkness but have the light of life. He has given us that light, and we are to go forth lighting this dark world. We must also light the world with our words and deeds. Our deeds speak even louder than our words.
If we sit in our easy chair giving only lip service claiming to be a disciple of Jesus, then we have hidden our light under a bushel. It is then of no use to anyone.
We must arise, go out and find the lost and the destitute. We must let them know that we bring light and life, as well as help them in whatever way we can. If consolation is needed, let us provide that. If strengthening of faith is the need, we must supply that. If food, raiment and education in the Word of God are deficient, we must provide those. We need to pass along the things which Christ has given to us to share with all men.
Jesus came to bring us light so that we no longer walk in darkness. Yes, in a very real sense, we too are the light of the world. Rise up from your easy chair and go carry that light to those who are perishing in the darkness.
You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)