Forthright Magazine http://www.forthright.net Straight to the Cross ---- The Highway of Holiness by Tim Hall Monuments of Stone by Paul Goddard ---- COLUMN: Heavenly Connections The Highway of Holiness by Tim Hall Isaiah spoke many wonderful prophecies. Things that were far in the future in his day are now present realities. Reading Isaiah is not merely a study of ancient history but a lesson in what God can do for us in the 21st century. A good example is Isaiah 35. Consider the path God has prepared for all who will follow him. Many details about this road are given in verses 9 and 10: "No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it; it shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there, and the redeemed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing, with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away" (NKJV). In this prophecy, God declares that it's not just the destination that will be rewarding but also the journey itself. Read that passage again and note these characteristics of those who choose to travel on God's highway: (1) Safety and security - - no wild beasts will be found on this road. (2) Those who travel this road are "redeemed," purchased by God to be his own. (3) Singing and everlasting joy belong to those who travel on this highway. (4) Sorrow and sighing will be a thing of the past. Clearly this is an attractive lifestyle. One other detail about travelers on God's road is given in verse 8: "A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others." Those who consider taking this path are confronted with a decision: Am I willing to give everything to God? That, after all, is the meaning of "holiness." There's the catch. This explains why so few choose a path that appears to be entirely desirable. Few? That's what Jesus said in Matthew 7:13,14: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Jesus was not one to sugarcoat anything. He plainly disclosed that God's highway is difficult. Holiness demands that we deny our appetites and desires when they conflict with God's will. Hear Jesus again: "If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" (Matthew 16:24). Denying ourselves is not pleasant. A cross is an instrument upon which self is put to death. The objective of Jesus' words is holiness. And with that holiness comes the privilege of traveling on the Lord's highway. Christians, we must daily recommit ourselves to living holy lives! The world is so persuasive in its attempts to pull us from our journey. It is a daily challenge to keep our garments spotless (James 1:27). But when we remind ourselves of the joys of being on the Highway of Holiness, we'll find renewed strength to keep ourselves only for the Lord. ---- What's your reaction to this article? Tell us here: http://www.forthright.net/heavenly_connections/the_highway_of_holiness.htm ---- COLUMN: Up for the Task Monuments of Stone by Paul Goddard "It is proposed that the contemplated monument shall be like him in whose honor it is constructed, unparalleled in the world, and commensurate with gratitude, liberality, and patriotism of the people by whom it is to be erected." These words were proclaimed by the Washington National Monument Society, on September 23, 1835. This patriotic group's purpose was to honor George Washington, the first president of the United States of America. It was founded by Chief Justice John Marshall and President James Madison. The first thing they did was to secure Robert Mills as the chief architect for the project. The cornerstone was laid on July 4, 1848; however, the work did not continue, for it was delayed by political quarreling and the lack of funds. The work resumed in 1858, but again the construction was halted in 1861 during the American Civil War. After the war, Lt. Col. Thomas Casey resumed the project in 1876, and he redesigned the monument to resemble an Egyptian obelisk. With the War Department now in charge of the monument, the building proceeded quickly. On December 6th, 1884, the 3,300 lb. capstone was put into place, thus completing the project. The Washington Monument was the most impressive and tallest building in the world. The Washington Monument is no longer the tallest building in the world, but the white marble and granite memorial is still very impressive. Other groups have also used stone to impress and to remember the past. Any school-age child can tell you about the great Aztec or Egyptian monuments, but can they tell you about one small Israelite stone monument that was erected on the west side of the Jordan River? This monument was constructed out of twelve stones to mark the spot where God allowed the children of Israel to enter into the land of promise (Joshua 4:1-24). This monument was ordained by God as a reminder of his power. This was not the first divine memorial, nor would it be the last. When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, he told them to remember the day of departure by eating a meal. The meal was called Passover (Exodus 12:1-30), and it was the same meal that Jesus was celebrating on the night that he was betrayed by Judas. As Jesus ate this last Passover meal with his disciples, he established a new memorial meal (Luke 22:1-22). He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and ask them to eat it, explaining to them that, in doing so, they would remember him when he was gone. Likewise, he took a cup of wine and told them to drink it, for it represented his new covenant. This is the same meal that faithful Christians share each week. In doing so, Jesus is remembered as both the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:19-22) and capstone (1 Peter 2:4-10) of this memorial feast. Will you not partake of this living memorial? In doing so, you proclaim that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God? Christian, are you up for the task? "Here I raise my *Ebenezer; Hither by Thy help I've come; And I hope by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home." Robert Robinson *Ebenezer = stone of help ---- What's your reaction to this article? Tell us here: http://www.forthright.net/up_for_the_task/monuments_of_stone.htm ---- You can help us get the word out. Here's how: http://www.forthright.net/editorial/lend_a_hand.htm