Issue 1594 – Black and White – November 6, 2024
This morning’s view looks straight down from the suspension bridge at Cascade Falls. The main falls are behind me and not visible in this image.
You might notice three (or more) large black areas on the pool’s rim in the rock formation. You can also see some black areas inside the pool itself. These spots are where a different rock is embedded in the surrounding stone.
This is a common feature along the creek. The black rock varies in size from place to place. In some areas, it is no larger than a couple of inches in diameter, while in others, it is far larger than a human.
I’m not sure, but I believe the black stones are a form of basalt. The formations are certainly volcanic in origin. If you do know what these rocks are, please let me know.
You might never particularly notice this phenomenon, or if you do see it, not give it any further thought.
When I saw it, I thought of the church. The body of Christ comprises people of differing cultures and languages, and we have diverse theologies and practices. In some ways, there might be more things that potentially divide us than draw us together.
It isn’t an accident. That’s Christ’s desire for his church.
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:9-10
There is a common conception in some circles that Christianity is a “white man’s” religion. I have even heard it called a white supremacist faith.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus was Asian in his ancestry (while Israel is in some ways at a crossroads between Africa, Asia, and Europe, it is an Asian country). While the European nations have significantly influenced the faith, it grew in Africa even more quickly.
Many of the early church Fathers were African. Until the time of the Muslims’ takeover, some of the earliest centers of Christianity were in cities like Hippo, Carthage, and Constantinople.
There is only one race of people: the human race. We all stem from the same couple created in Eden. Despite our differences in color and culture, all are welcome at the foot of the cross.
All people have sinned and are under the penalty of death. The sacrifice of Jesus can redeem all people.
There is only one body of Christ, united by one faith and one Holy Spirit. Despite whatever differences we might have, we are united with every true believer in the world and from all areas of time.
The Lord created us all and calls us all. A truly loving God could do nothing less.
Praise His name for the beautiful diversity in the body.
Hallelu Yah / Praise God
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (For the glory of God alone)
Never let the enemy tell you that you are worthless or insignificant. Your value in God’s eyes is so great that it was worth dying for. You are a blessing to the world. You are so precious to God that his plan for heaven will not be complete without you.
__________________________________________
Did you know that we have an email version? It has the same great content but in a different format.
Subscribe today: https://mailchi.mp/f27bbeb09c22/gleanings-1
For an archive of many back issues, visit our website at https://gleaningsfromtheword.com.
___________________________________________
(c)2024 Gleanings From the Word, K.F. “Kevin” Corbin. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.