Reflection of the Son

“Walk in the wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” — Colossians 4:5-6

At least once every day, we each stand before a mirror to study the image reflecting back at us. Always with a critical eye, searching for some imperfection that we may not want others to see. Many of us concentrate on the new wrinkles and gray hair which confirms that we have passed the middle years of life. We see what others see, a likeness of the body that God created.

The Apostle Paul encouraged the Colossian believers to become a reflection of Christ. He urged them to be prudent in their conduct toward all those they came into contact with, whether fellow believers or non-believers. Paul tells Christians to behave with wisdom toward outsiders. In other words, to consider their great need to know Christ, just as the believer’s need was. Time was, and still is, in short supply.

We all experience the passing of time more quickly with each year that goes by. Paul saw limited opportunities to share the gospel and directed Christians to have their speech seasoned with salt, that is, the truth. He also reminded believers of the importance of having the wisdom and grace to give proper answers to questions concerning our faith. “But sanctify the Lord in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” — 1 Peter 3:15.

All Christians should reflect Jesus and promote the gospel of Christ. Prayer, personal character, and witnessing through our actions and speech can reach those in need of a savior.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for sharing Your grace and wisdom so that I may reflect You. Help me to shine Your light more each day.

The Lord Shut the Door

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“And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.” — Genesis 7:16

The story of Noah and the Flood is one of the first Bible stories taught to young children. Having every kind of animal on a boat with only Noah and his family to care for them, while a flood destroys everything else, is pretty remarkable. The rainbow, representing God’s promise to never destroy His creation again with flood waters, captures the attention of the children. They grasp the idea of a loving God who wants to preserve His children and the fact that we can count on God’s promises to remain true.

Today, as I read this passage, six words at the end of verse 16 in chapter seven stood out in a new way. “And the LORD shut him in.” Even though the entire story reflects miracle after miracle, this final act of closing the door to the ark is key to how it was sealed in preparation of the flood. God, Himself, shut and sealed the door. This was God’s power, executing God’s plan. This representation is critical to understanding God’s salvation.

First, we see that the Lord is saving life from judgment. It reminds us that God has promised to preserve those He has saved. This is a symbol of His ability to keep those He has saved. A promise to both Noah and to us.

Second, when every life meant to be saved was on board the ark, God, not Noah, shut the door. This security wasn’t earned by something Noah had done. He was justified by faith. God counted that faith as righteousness. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” — Hebrews 11:1.

Just as the Lord sealed the ark to protect those inside, the Holy Spirit seals believers as a promise of our salvation. Let us not grow weary in well-doing as we continue to share the good news of Christ to those around us. Only God knows when the opportunity of salvation will end and He will shut the door.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for Your promise of salvation to those who believe. Help me recognize the opportunities to share the gospel with others.