“He made the basin of bronze...”
The story is told of Ponce de Leon who came to Florida in the 1500s searching for the “Fountain of Youth.” I do not know all the details, or if this story is even true; but one thing I know: He did not find it.
Christ is the one and only true Fountain of Youth. In him we find forgiveness of sins; cleansing from wickedness and everlasting life. When we believe on his name we are born again (John 3:3), and we are brand new creatures (2 Corinthians 5:17).
The world of today wants peace at all costs, even if they have to go to war. They also lust after youth and beauty, and spend billions of dollars in cosmetics, hair dyes and plastic surgeries. Everyone, including many men, want to look young and sexy!
Every day we hear of a new diet that will make us thin and young, while gyms and exercise equipment proliferate throughout the land. It is good to work out and stay in shape; especially if our goal in doing so is to take care of our bodies as the temple of God. It is better, however, to take care of our souls and purify ourselves in Christ.
If you had to choose between being a “pretty pagan” or a physically unattractive and yet, spiritual Christian, what would be your choice? I rather be bold, ugly, overweight, and toothless, and have Jesus in my life, than to be young and handsome, but spiritually dead and on my way to hell.
Therefore look at yourself, not on a glass mirror, but on the mirror of God’s Word. There you will find Jesus; the fountain of peace and life, and you will be renewed in your spirit today.
A. G.
“…so the people were restrained from bringing...”
One of the most famous boxing matches of all time was the fight between “Sugar” Ray Leonard and Roberto “Mano de Piedra” (Hands of Stone) Duran. It was a fight between champions, for the world championship, but it ended in disgrace, when Duran screamed:
“No mas!” (No more)
He gave up, because he couldn’t take anymore punishment from Leonard, who went on to be a great boxing champ.
The first time I read this Bible chapter, I couldn’t believe my eyes. This is the only time (that I’m aware of), when the people of God have been denied the privilege of bringing more offerings to God. Moses told the Israelites:
“No mas.”
They were commanded not to bring anymore gold, linen, purple, garments or anything else to the Tabernacle as an offering to the Lord.
How wonderful would it be to hear the pastor telling the congregation to ease up a bit on the offerings, because there is too much money in the church bank account!
How exciting it would be to have to hold multiple worship services, because the church is multiplying!
What a marvel would be to have to use school buses, to be able to accommodate the hundreds of believers who are going out to do the work of evangelism!
Perhaps all of this is just a wishful dream, but what about you? You can decide today to be the best giver, servant and disciple your church has ever seen. I don’t know if you’ll ever hear the words “no mas” from your pastor, but God will tell you;
“Well done, good slave!” (Luke 19:17).
A. G.
