Taking One’s Leave | The Institute for Creation Research

Taking One’s Leave

“Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you” (II Corinthians 13:11).

When it comes to moving in new directions, the illustration of Jacob and Laban is a good one. Each had an interest in the inheritance of people and property, but both knew that separation must take place. “Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee” (Genesis 31:44). Then both parties placed a memorial to the event in the form of stones piled in two heaps: “. . . for he said, the LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another” (v.49). “And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place. And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him” (31:55; 32:1).

In like manner, Paul, in our text, gives a closing counsel to the Corinthians that was meant to sustain them while they were apart. He urged them to be perfect, or complete. This can be accomplished only through Scripture: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God . . . That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:16,17).

In the midst of a God-directed transition to a new stage of life, there is no time to come apart or lose resolve. Rather it is a time to be confident and of good comfort, for God is in the event. He will see us through the adjustment. Further, Paul insists that at times like these, we should be of one mind, not wishing to return to the old situation or begrudge the separation, but peacefully content with our next adventure. Why? Because God is in it and His love is sufficient to carry us into the next cycle of our lives. KBC

The Latest
NEWS
A Uniquely Designed Air-Filled Sac Within Birds’ Lungs
Soaring birds are a majestic sight to behold, especially when they undergo such climbing and endless spiraling so effortlessly. Not surprisingly, evolutionists...

NEWS
Liberty and the Word of God
“And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts” (Psalm 119:45). July 4th is called Independence Day here in our country because on...

NEWS
July 2025 ICR Wallpaper
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome...

NEWS
Valued Longtime ICR Employee Mary Smith Retires
Mary Morris Smith, an employee of the Institute for Creation Research for many years, has retired. The second daughter of ICR founder Dr. Henry M. Morris...

NEWS
Man of Science, Man of God: George Washington Carver
Who:  George Washington Carver What: Father of Modern Agriculture When: 1864 or 1865 – January 5, 1943 Where: Diamond Grove,...

ACTS & FACTS
The Scopes Monkey Trial: A Battle of Worldviews
Rhea County Courthouse in Dayton, Tennessee, and its statue of William Jennings Bryan Image credit: M. Mueller The Scopes Monkey...

ACTS & FACTS
Long Non-Coding RNAs: The Unsung Heroes of the Genome
Evolutionary theory holds that all living things came about through random, natural processes. So conventional scientists believe the genome has developed...

ACTS & FACTS
Yosemite National Park, Part 1: Tiny Clues of a Grand Picture
Yosemite National Park in California is a sure source of stunning scenery. It’s no wonder that American naturalist John Muir persuaded President...

ACTS & FACTS
From Inference to Theory: A Common Design Case Study
Without a doubt, humans, chimpanzees, and other organisms share similar features. An early explanation was that these features reflect similar designs...

ACTS & FACTS
Creation Kids: T. rex
by Michael Stamp and Susan Windsor* You're never too young to be a creation scientist and explore our Creator's world. Kids, discover...