Both Wise and Unwise

By Don Ruhl

Rehoboam became king of Israel after his father Solomon died.

The people asked Rehoboam to lighten the heavy tax burden his father had put upon them. Rather than blurting out an answer, he did this, “So he said to them, ‘Depart for three days, then come back to me.’ And the people departed” (1Ki 12.5).

Rehoboam wanted to think about their request and get advice from his counselors, acting wisely in so doing. Yet, he rejected the good advice of his father’s counselors and acted foolishly, bringing on the division of the kingdom of Israel.

Seek counsel, but do not have a mind already made up when you seek the counsel. The advice you seek should not be simply to confirm what you have already decided.

Open your mind and truly listen to what people say.

Evidence of the Resurrected Christ

By Don Ruhl

Jesus appeared to His disciples after His death. The sight terrified and frightened them, for they believed they saw a spirit.

However, Jesus said, “Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have” (Luke 24.39).

He presented His body to them to examine with their eyes and to handle with their hands. Knowing that they had wondered if they saw a spirit, He told them that a spirit does not have flesh and bones as they could clearly know He had!

Those men knew Jesus. They spent three and a half years with Him, hearing Him speak, seeing Him move about, and touching Him.

If anyone knew whether this Man was an impostor or the true Lord, they would know.

History tells us what they thought. Every one of them believed Jesus had risen from the dead. Do you believe it?