Issue 1801 – The Arch – September 2, 2025
It’s beginning to feel autumnal here. The early leaves are beginning to turn, and the nights are cooling off much quicker than a few weeks ago. We have a ways to go before autumn really hits, but it will get here.
Thinking of turning leaves had me reminiscing. As we drove down the street, it felt as if we were in a living archway. Tall elm and willow trees lined both sides of the street, their tops bowing high above the street. The autumn colors brought the archway to life, adding drama to an already impressive scene.
As I drove down that street, I thought of the arches of palms and willows that were waved over Jesus as He entered the city of Jerusalem in the days leading up to His crucifixion. The crowds adored Him, worshipped Him, and boldly proclaimed His name.
As we know, that adoration didn’t last very long. Many of those same people were likely in the crowd that cried out to Pontius Pilate a few days later, “Crucify Him!” He went from hero to zero in the space of a few days.
People are fickle. If you don’t believe that, look at most sports fans. As long as the team is winning, it is the greatest. Start to lose, however, and watch the crowds get the scent of blood. Watch politicians and actors rise and fall in favor as the crowd sees fit. Today’s great is tomorrow’s has been. Yesterday’s loser is today’s winner.
There is a case where that doesn’t apply. You see, without Jesus, we will all lose. We have sinned, and we’re kept apart from God. With Him, even the worst of sinners can become a saint for all of eternity.
Let’s clarify that last sentence: ‘saint’ is a word that is often misunderstood in Christian circles. A saint is any believer in Jesus Christ. The tradition of elevating certain individuals to “sainthood” has no biblical foundation.
If you know Jesus, you’re a saint. We’re made right with God because of His sacrifice. The word “saint” comes from the Greek word hagios, which means “consecrated to God, holy, sacred, pious.” It is almost always used in the plural, “saints.
But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. Acts 9:13
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: 1 Corinthians 1:2
Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. Philippians 4:21
When you look in the mirror, you see a saint looking back. Not a perfect one. Yet! Still one in progress, called apart to be holy and destined to eternal holiness in glory.
Fortunately, unlike us, Jesus is not fickle. He’s steadfast and will stick by us for all eternity. Once we’re under the blood, we’re there to stay. That’s a good thing.
Until next time, rejoice. God is good!
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed,
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
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All contents, “Gleanings From The Word” and “Experience an Extraordinary God in Ordinary Life,” are © 2001, 2025 K.F. “Kevin” Corbin, Gleanings From The Word.
Unless otherwise noted, “Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
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