Feb 22

Notice how Paul makes a dramatic distinction and comparison between the evil deeds of Jesus' crucifiers and the glory of Jesus himself in 1 Cor. 2:8. First there is the word "crucified" and then immediately following, the words "the Lord of glory."

That's how it is in this world, isn't it? We are constantly surrounded both by evil and the goodness of God, all at once, every day.

Many times, I have stood enjoying the beauty of some scenic countryside, watching the sunset in all its glorious, God-created beauty -- and then noticed some piece of litter on the ground or hear some harsh, loud manmade sound that disturbs or ruins the moment of beauty. It happens all the time, doesn't it?

We can't escape the terrible desecration which we humans have strewn about this wonderful, beautiful world which our God has created. But we are not meant to escape it until we reach heaven, and so we need to strengthen ourselves in the Creator of all beauty so that we can be cleansing salt in this putrefying world.

Scripture for today: 1 Cor. 2:8
Thought for today: Because I am in Jesus, I am the salt of this world.
Prayer for today: Jesus, I ask you to so rule my body that wherever I go in a polluted world, I cleanse its wounds and filth. And I ask for your protection as I do this.

FEB 22