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Vol. 12 No. 3 March 2010 |
Page 11 |
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Vol. 12 No. 3 March 2010 |
Page 11 |
A Drop of Blood
Dean Kelly
I am a drop of blood. I feel myself fall onto a face. I slither down into an eye, and tears drive me out to flow on down to the tip of a nose. Then, I begin a seemingly endless fall that seems to speed up as I see the ground approaching. Suddenly, it is as if I slow down into slow motion, and I see a man approach the One from whom I fall. In a moment, it is no longer one drop of blood, but a flood of blood drops mixed with water that pour unbound into a puddle at His feet. I find myself being assimilated into the spilt blood, and know that I will soon be absorbed into the dry ground upon which I have fallen.
Yet, I cannot help but wonder, as my fate begins to play itself out: Don’t they know who we are? Why has no one brought a container to catch each precious drop as we have fallen? Don’t they realize the power that is contained in us? If my brothers and I held the cure for some horrible disease, wouldn’t they be trying to save us? If we could make someone wealthy, wouldn’t they be scrambling to try to be that one who collects us? However, instead, they simply ignore our plight in their thirst for His blood. Soon we will be gone.
I cannot help but think of how ironic it all is. These other blood drops and I are actually the most powerful force on earth – and people here don’t even realize it. In us is contained a power that cannot be matched by any other substance in this whole universe.
With us a power that emanates from the very presence of God is found. With us a price is paid that nothing else can pay. With us a path to God is opened that had been closed. With us a purpose is fulfilled that effects eternity. With us a plan is executed to save mankind. With us a place is opened where God and man can reunite. With us a purchase is made – of any who will come to Jesus.
I am a blood drop – and our God has used me, in His Son, to offer salvation to everyone who will take advantage of my power. Have you been washed in the blood?
God's Formula for Hurting People
Bob Spurlin
“Forever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” The previous quotation is couched in Psalms 119:89 and was written by the sweet singer of Israel, King David, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 119 is a Psalm of David, which no doubt was written during his darkest hour. King Saul was consumed with jealousy, making every effort to find the young man to destroy him, for the people’s love of David was greater than their love for King Saul. Psalm 119 is permeated with warnings and exhortations for us to consider soberly when facing adversity. David was facing his darkest hour and the one place where he could find peace and solace was in the law of God. David said “teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments” (Psalms 119:66). Facing trials and difficulties in this life demands that we consult God and His revealed Word. David also said, “thy law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver” (Psalms 119:72). This young man was wise beyond his years, attaching great value to the law of God and showing that it superseded “gold and silver”. People often exhibit a marked lack of value for the Word of God, and far too many in our modern age fail to take advantage of this great artesian well of truth. David frightfully said, “the wicked have waited for me to destroy me, but I will consider thy testimonies” (Psalm 119:95). This young man, facing his enemies and fearful of his own mortality, was confident in the testimonies of God. We too, when facing trials and tribulations of any magnitude, will find God’s Word to be helpful and soothing to the aching heart.
David cried out the familiar refrain “thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalms 119:105). The young man David found great solace in God’s will as a “lamp” and a “light”, which were valuable tools and helpful utensils in their day as well as ours. Little wonder the words of David were everlasting, “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven” (Psalms 119:89). In like manner, Jesus uttered, “heaven and earth shall pass away, but my word shall never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The permanence and durability of God’s Word is comforting to those who seek peace at a time of spiritual thunderstorms and tempests that batter against our souls.
Man is so fortunate to have a Book of inspired writings that will sustain us during the time of trials (2 Timothy 3:12,16,17). Other books may serve a valuable need for a brief time, a year or two, perhaps a generation, if one is so fortunate. However, the Bible is “forever settled in heaven”, and one does not have to be concerned about rescinding or changing any part, like sectarians regarding their creed books and the Catholic Church with reference to the book of Catechism. Examining great heroes like Abraham, Moses, Job, Joseph, and Paul is a constant reminder that their victory over evil came when their trust and confidence was placed in God and His holy Word (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians10:13).