It is a sweet thought that Jesus Christ did not come to earth without His Father’s permission, authority, consent, and assistance. He was sent of the Father, that He might be humanity’s Savior. We are too apt to forget that while there are distinctions as to the persons in the Trinity, there are no distinctions of honor. We often ascribe the honor of our salvation, or at least the depths of its kindness and mercy, more to Jesus Christ than we do the Father. This is a very great mistake. What if Jesus came? Did not His Father send Him? If Jesus spoke wonderfully, didn’t His Father pour grace into His lips, that He might be a capable minister of the new covenant? People who know the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit as they should never set one before another in their love; they see them at Bethlehem, at Gethsemane, and on Calvary all equally engaged in the work of salvation. Oh, Christian, have you put your confidence in the man Christ Jesus? Have you placed your reliance solely on Him? And are you united with Him? Then believe that you are united with the God of heaven. Since you are a brother or sister to the man Christ Jesus—since you hold a very close fellowship—you are linked by it to the eternal God. “The Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7:9) is your Father and your friend. Did you ever consider the depth of love in the heart of Jehovah, when God the Father equipped His Son for the great enterprise of mercy? If not, let this be your day’s meditation. The Father sent Him! Contemplate that. Think how Jesus works what the Father wills. In the wounds of the dying Savior, see the love of the great I Am. Let every thought of Jesus also be connected with the eternal, ever-blessed God, for “it was the LORD’s good plan to crush him and cause him grief” (Isaiah 53:10 NLT). - C.H. Spurgeon Morning and Evening
I smile to myself when I see God providing material every day for these posts.
Ever so seriously though, throughout this world Christians are both hurting and celebrating. Some erroneously think it's trials they go through some actually are going through them. God has greater plans for our lives than we can fathom. What looks like painful situations God sees as stepping stones to something more both for ourselves and others.
We did nothing to earn our salvation in Christ. Jesus obeyed the will of His Father to come and go through everything He did. It was out of obedience and love for His Father and as Christ had said of those who have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ for Salvation, our Father too.
Here's what I meant by my opening comment. This beautiful song came to my mind in the middle of the night and again when I awoke. Read it carefully.
By Way of the Cross
| Condemned to die on a cross for crimes he had done He was guilty- everyone could see. But his destiny was changed as he looked at Christ and said, "When Your kingdom comes, remember me." In Paradise that day, he stood Just like the Lord had said he would Surrounded by those who had gone before. One said, "Friend, how did you come? What are the deeds you have done?" With tears in his eyes, I can hear him reply, "There are no merits to my name- no works that I can claim. He Who brought me here told me to say... (Chorus) I have come by the way of the cross. I have come by the way of the cross. It is nothing I have done. It's the suffering of God's Son. I have come by the way of the cross." I have nothing to claim but my guilt and my shame. Hopelessly lost, I could not find my way. Till His glorious light of love shone down on me. His mercy washed all my sins away! And what He did for me that day Was a price I could not pay. And by His grace, I too can say- forever say... (Chorus) Bridge I see millions gathered 'round the throne From every kindred and tongue- Those redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! And as they cast their crowns down at His feet This will be my story- this will be my song,... (Chorus "We") There is no other way.. but the cross! By the cross! By the cross! |
My friend, we read and as Spurgeon said, we often attribute much to Jesus, but forget to remember it was the Father's Plan for Jesus. His love for His creation is more than we will ever understand.
We go through so much in this life. There's seasons of joy and of pain. It's life more abundant as God's Word says. Life is life, a series of highs and lows. Ups and downs. Life more abundant is greater highs and lower lows than we can imagine. But what's the purpose?
Why are we going through such things?
My friend it's because of the same reason as it was for Jesus as it is for you and I. Because of the Cross.
Because we are still living out the plan of the Father. To this day we live out the Plan of God for man.
The Father's plan didn't end when Jesus went back to Heaven. It will not end when those who are called are with Jesus throughout eternity. We are only at the beginning.
Our situations are all different but realize my friends that it's that way for a purpose!
We can easily find videos of great people playing chess. Consider chess. Moves within moves. One piece being moved affects others.
For your mind blowing thought for today, in the mind of God it's Spiritual Chess with about 8 billion pieces.
What you are going through is still God's Plan for you but that plan includes how you interact with others to tell others about Christ. To show Christ to the world.
Jesus says we are His workmanship. He says He is the potter we are the clay.
Let's keep working with analogies. Look up videos on pottery. Intricate pottery. There's many tiny steps at times that don't seem to make sense. Then when the clay has set well enough sections are removed and placed elsewhere to achieve the potter's vision. Essentially surgery. Care is taken to mold and make the clay into a masterpiece.
The Father's Plan is to make you into a masterpiece. Jesus cannot love you any more nor any less because of who He is. He loved you enough to die for you. He promised never to leave us nor forsake us. He told us in advance that in this world we would have tribulations but to be of good cheer He has overcome the world.
We may never see the volume of people impacted by the things we go through. Then again in Heaven He may show us.
In all history there's never been a failed mission from God.
All things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose.
All means all. Every believer. From the thief on the cross to John's brother the Disciple who really didn't have a great ministry as John or the other Apostles. The Pharisees thought they won at the murdering of Stephen but no God was honored even through his death.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs.
Trust Jesus. Trust in the Father's Plan for you. Yes it may hurt. But call out to Jesus. Remind Him of His promises. Moses did. You can too. Oh how great the Father's love for us. How vast beyond all measure.
No comments:
Post a Comment