Gems worth pondering
March 18
"I . . . am persuaded . . . that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another."
(Romans 15:14)
If only we are self-emptied, our every act may emit a sweet odour to God. The smallest as well as the greatest services may, by the power of the Holy Spirit, present the fragrance of Christ.
- The paying of a visit,
- The writing of a letter,
- The public ministry of the Word,
- Giving a cup of cold water to a disciple,
- Giving something to a pauper,
- The common-place acts of eating and drinking.
All may emit the sweet perfume of the name and grace of Jesus. (A.A.)
N.J. Hiebert # 3647
March 19
"Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold . . . but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot." (1 Peter 1:18)
One day Robert McLuckie, a most lovable Scotsman to the core, took me for a walk around Edinburgh Castle and glowed as he described its historical background and the tradition of his land as symbolized in that great citadel. Then he took me into the throne room, and there in a casket lay the crown jewels of Scotland. The central crown really drew my attention and admiration. Turning to the guide who stood by with his long coat and many buttons, I queried, "How much is it worth?"
I was amazed at his reaction. He was flaming angry. "How much is it worth?" he reiterated. "Yes," I said, "Thirty million, forty million? Surely there must be some price on it." "Young man," he said emphatically, "three thousand men died in one day to put that crown on the head of Robert, the Bruce. If you want to put a price upon human blood you are welcome to try. That crown is priceless!" As he simmered down and Robert and I beat a hasty retreat, my friend smiled at me when we were at a safe distance and said, "You've got a sermon there, lad!" He was right. "If you want to put a price upon human blood you are welcome to try." Surely if we cannot attempt to put a price upon the blood of Scotsmen who died in battle, how just how, can we put a price on the precious blood that stained the hill of Calvary? Divine life, become human life that we might have everlasting life. The answer is simple - it is priceless. (Note the verse quoted above.) That was the price of redemption for us; nothing less would satisfy God. But that does. Doesn't it satisfy you? (Ruth a Foreigner Redeemed - Derick Bingham)
N.J. Hiebert # 3648
