THROUGH THE BIBLE IN THREE YEARS
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The pastor came into the sanctuary on 5th Sunday, and as usual the communion table was already prepared.
During the communion time, everything went well until he uncovered the plates with the juice. He noticed it was a little darker than usual, but continued with the service.
When it came time for everyone to drink the juice, he noticed startled faces! Then, as he drank his, he was startled also! It was PRUNE JUICE!
Later, he asked the chairman of the communion comittee about it. The chairman said, "Well, I thought our stiff congregation needed a little
loosening up!"
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Genesis 26
19 And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.
20 And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
21 And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.
22 And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.
KJV
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We can learn a lesson from the names of the wells here:
(vs 20) "Esek" -- meaning contention,
(vs 21) "Sitnah"-- meaning enmity,
(vs 22) "Rehoboth" -- meaning plenty of room.
After we have lived in the land of contention and enmity for a while, we will be given plenty of room in heaven!
We might also take note that Isaac moved quietly away from contention and hatred, trying to find a place of quietness. So should we, today, if we can.
However, we should never turn our backs on the work to be done if it requires that we FACE contention and even hatred. For we, as Christians, must follow the example of our Jesus. He left contention and hatred for a time, seeking the quiet peace of prayer. But, when it was necessary He stood firm against the same, even though it meant the cross.
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven..." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
The only way to know which is which, is to seek God's Divine direction.
Love ya,
Bruce