It’s Not About You, Yet It’s All About You

This has probably been my boldest writing by far. I have exceeded all previous boundaries by composing most of this essay in first person—where the sovereign, majestic God is speaking. I have done so with great reverence, taking much precaution to ensure that God is not misquoted. My intention has been to encourage and spur our faith in our faithful, never-failing God. May this writing do just that. 

It is not uncommon for Christians to express their exasperation while praying. Like the Psalmist, we too cry, “How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me” (Psa. 13:1, 2)? Like Job we vex, “I am disgusted with my life. Let me complain freely. My bitter soul must complain. I will say to God, ‘Don’t simply condemn me—tell me the charge you are bringing against me’ ” (Job 10:1, 2 NLT). The Lord being the patient, merciful God that He is bears with our ranting. He endures with the prayers we make about how great our problem is. He patiently hears our complaint of how we feel He does not pay heed to our tears. We express ourselves as though we are the centre of the universe.

However, should like Job, we say, “I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God Himself” (Job 13:3 NLT), we may hear the Most High answer from out of the whirlwind, “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them” (Job 38:2, 3 NLT).

Have you so much wisdom and understanding that you find yourself qualified to instruct me? “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy” (Job 38:4-7 NLT)?

With regard to power, “Can you direct the movement of the stars—binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion? Can you direct the constellations through the seasons or guide the Bear with her cubs across the heavens? Do you know the laws of the universe? Can you use them to regulate the earth” (Job 38:31-33 NLT)?

Do you have authority and might? “For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea; an eternal decree so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail. Though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it” (Jer. 5:22 NASB). “Can you shout to the clouds and make it rain? Can you make lightning appear and cause it to strike as you direct” (Job 38:34, 35 NLT)?

Can you provide for beast and bird? “Can you stalk prey for a lioness and satisfy the young lions’ appetites as they lie in their dens or crouch in the thicket? Who provides food for the ravens when their young cry out to God and wander about in hunger” (Job 38:39-41 NLT)?

Are you caring and protective? “Do you know when the wild goats give birth? Have you watched as deer are born in the wild? Do you know how many months they carry their young? Are you aware of the time of their delivery? They crouch down to give birth to their young and deliver their offspring. Their young grow up in the open fields, then leave home and never return” (Job 39:1-4 NLT).

As for justice, “Would you dare to claim that I am not being fair? Would you judge me in order to make yourself seem right? Is your arm as powerful as mine is? Can your voice thunder as mine does? Then put on glory and beauty as if they were your clothes. Also put on honour and majesty. Let loose your great anger. Look at those who are proud and bring them low. Look at proud people and make them humble. Crush evil people right where they are. Bury their bodies together in the dust. Cover their faces in the grave. Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you” (Job 40:8-14 NIRV).

If no one dares disturb the great leviathan, who then can stand up to me, its Maker? Who has given me anything that I need to pay back? Everything under heaven is mine (Job 41:10, 11).

Yet I have loved you with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3). Of all My creation, you were the only one I made in My image and according to My likeness (Gen. 1:26). I gave you authority over all living creatures on earth (Gen. 1:26). I made you for a little while a little lower than the angels (Heb. 2:7) and caused them to be ministering spirits to you (Heb. 1:14). I care for you more than the birds of the air and the lilies of the field (Lk. 12:7; Mt. 6:26, 30).

Did I not choose you even before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4)? It is not to angels that I have given control of the world to come, have I (Heb. 2:5)? Though you were far away from Me, having no hope and without God in the world, did I not draw you to Myself (Eph. 2:12, 13)? If while you were yet a sinner, I did not spare My only begotten Son, Christ Jesus, but delivered Him over to die for you, will I not freely give you all things (Rom. 8:32)? Have I not promised that I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5b) but that I am with you always even to the end of the age (Mt. 28:20b)?

Why then are you fearful, O you of little faith (Mt. 8:26)? By worrying can you add a single hour to your life’s span? If you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters (Lk. 12:25, 26)? If you being evil know how to give good things to your children, will I not give you that which is greater (Mt. 7:11)?

Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers (Job 40:2 NLT)?

May like Job, we too come to the realization that “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say” (Job 40:4, 5 NLT). May we confess to the Most High, “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you (Job 42:2 NLT). I talk about things I know nothing about; things far too wonderful for me (Job 42:3 NLT). May we realize that in all of life’s challenges, God’s attention is not just on us, yet it’s all about us.

Recognizing the Time

It appears that whenever God acts on earth in a noticeable way, an evil, arrogant political climate prevails. 

The scattering of people by bringing in languages when Nimrod ruled is one such example. 

The mighty deliverance of the Israelites while Pharaoh reigned over powerful Egypt is yet another. 

God becoming flesh and living among men followed by the birth of the Church was a third. Remember this was at a time when the Romans ruthlessly controlled the world.

The miraculous restoration of Israel after nearly 2000 years, following the holocaust and WW2 is an example from modern history. 

Could the present political situation the world over indicate something to the Church? The Lord Jesus said, "...so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door" (Matthew 24:33).

Piecing Together the Grand Design

Nothing that happens in our life is isolated. In God’s hands, they are all fashioned and pieced together to complete a beautiful purpose.

Just as in a jigsaw puzzle each piece by itself stands solitary, even meaningless, yet when fitted together with other parts, forms a beautiful picture; in much the same way, God’s purpose for our lives can be likened to one big, complex grand design made up of hundreds of thousands of pieces. Taking this imagination further, in a simplistic way, we could compare each piece in this glorious picture as a part of the character that God is producing in us. Every piece is formed through life’s circumstances, trials and troubles; for as Paul tells the Romans, “…tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character” (Rom. 5:3, 4). Peter calls it “the proof of your faith” (1Pet. 1:7). 

The pieces of God’s grand design for each individual are not like the ones we use in a jigsaw puzzle, made of wood or hardboard, but rather crafted and moulded with utmost care, fashioned as in the hands of a master craftsman (Jer. 18:6). Every single piece is made to last. They are made precious, more precious than gold when tested by fire (1Pet. 1:7). Every piece is important—each different, some a bit more difficult and demanding than others—nevertheless very important. Each piece has a place in the overall design that God is piecing together. Without it, the picture would be incomplete.

The believing heart knows that God is in control of his life’s overall picture. Such a heart is convinced that the One he trusts knows exactly where each piece goes. The man of faith recognizes that God can visualize the entire design and has known the end picture from the beginning. The soul that relies on the perfect wisdom of God knows that His Maker can never go wrong. While his external eyes looks at the power of God in all of creation; and his heart’s eye looks at the grand picture his Creator is putting together with that same power, his inner ears listens to the Master exclaim, “It is good” (Gen. 1:18, 21, 25, 31).

If a jigsaw puzzle has a castle in it, the one who holds a single piece knows that that piece is just one part and many different pieces would need to fit together to complete the castle. In much the same way, if God is working on say the character of patience, it would require many situations in our life corresponding to patience before that character is perfected. Likewise, the character of love or humility or the fruits of the Holy Spirit are other parts of God’s grand design. Last week I wrote how the life of “Christ in us” (Col. 1:27) is an integral part of the last chapter in God’s Redemption Story. With such a goal in mind it is not difficult to imagine how God works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28) so that the new man that He has made us in Christ Jesus is daily being renewed according to the image of the One who created him (Col. 3:10).

To bring about such godly character, we all know the discipline of our Father in heaven (Heb. 12:10). His wisdom demands that such a quality of holiness be formed in fire. The crude edges and wasteful nature must be burned as the master craftsman fashions carefully the delicate curves and projections of every piece in His grand design. We are all too familiar that some aspects of godly character require greater heat in the furnace of testing. Like in Daniel’s book, the furnace may be heated seven times more than it is usually heated (Dan. 3:19), yet like the three god-fearing men in that fire, we too can “be still” (Psa. 46:10) for we shall never be burned.

It would be important to remember at this point of time that God has granted to each of us the free will to choose. Should we choose to avoid the fire, our Father would not compel us. He would strive to persuade us but He will never over rule our choice. If we choose to compromise our way out of situations in our attempt to minimise the heat, we can be almost certain that we would ruin the piece that God is trying to fashion. It will not interlock in the curves and projections of the other pieces. God may have to start again and He will because of His patient, compassionate, longsuffering nature. Rejecting a piece would leave the picture incomplete. Eliminating several pieces would ruin the overall design completely. So while fashioning every piece of His grand design for our lives, may He find in our hearts the faith that knows that God will not allow us to be tested beyond our ability to bear but with the testing will provide a way of escape also, that we may be able to endure it (1Cor. 10:13).

Submission to the Master Designer, the eternal builder and architect is key to completing God’s plan for our lives. Believing that He who is on the throne, in sovereign control; who with wisdom and power ordains all things for our good (Rom. 8:28) and works within us to will and to do (Php. 2:13) will produce in us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 

Jesus said, “My Father is working even now and I Myself am working” (Jn. 5:17). We need to constantly seek His face for strength that like Joshua, we would be strong and very courageous. We won’t pray that God will take away the fire, but that He gives us the grace and strength to persevere with faith and patience (Heb. 6:12) as He takes us through it. Our attitude while God works in us plays a critical role. This is why the Bible repeatedly exhorts us to rejoice in the Lord always (Php. 4:4). In everything we ought to give thanks for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus (1Thes. 5:18). God does not take pleasure in grumblers (1Cor. 10:10).

While I have used a puzzle game as a metaphor, to be sure, God is not playing any game. What we experience is His amazing grace which He richly lavishes upon us in Christ Jesus. I say this because God does not fit pieces together mechanically. He is our Father. He is mindful of us. There is immeasurable care and concern; patience and mercy; love and compassion in all that He does for us. Jesus Christ, having gone through what we are going through sympathizes with us as our great High Priest. This is why we are exhorted to draw near boldly to His throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16). 

Furthermore, God’s purpose goes way beyond just completing the life of individuals so that we are made “pure just as He is pure” (1Jn. 3:2-4). His grand design is far more complex than we can ever imagine. It could be likened to a combination of a million jigsaw puzzles fitted together. Each saint is being fitted together into a holy temple with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone (Eph. 2:20-22). One living stone fitted perfectly with other living stones, being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1Pet. 2:4, 5). As we reflect on this truth we soon realize that God’s grand design is beyond “me”. My life’s picture is but one, yet an important one that fits beautifully and harmoniously in a much larger picture.

Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways. Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His councillor (Rom. 11:33, 34)? To Him be glory and honour and praise, now and forever.

Redemption Story’s Last Chapter

Like any story, the grand redemption story that God has been scripting since the foundation of the world also has a last chapter. If we look intently at what God has revealed to us in His Word—the ultimate source of all truth here on earth—it is possible to see dimly, as in a mirror, how God is scripting the end. There is no one who would be able to say precisely how everything will unfold; for now, we know in part and prophesy in part (1Cor. 13:9) but then we shall know fully (1Cor. 13:12).

The purpose of writing this piece is to encourage our hearts; for just like a runner, we too must keep our eyes on the finish line. We must run in such a way, as not without aim; and box in such a way, as not beating the air (1Cor. 9:26). When we have an eye on the goal, it always makes our pursuit purposeful. Hebrews 12:1 and 2 will then no longer be a mere verse to utter from rote. It will bring a sprightly step to the race that we run with endurance, as we lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us; fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith. 

In a very simplistic way, I would like to point to two aspects that we shall see in the last chapter of God’s redemption story. We find both truths given in the Bible. They appear scattered, almost like hidden treasure, among great prophesies, precious promises, life-giving commandments and instructions. Yet, if we seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures then we will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God; for it is the Lord who gives wisdom and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding (Prov. 2:4-6).

The glory of Christ in us (Col. 1:27) is the first purpose that we find God working towards. This is a mystery that was hidden from past ages and generations but has now been manifested to His saints (Col. 1:26). We find this truth repeatedly mentioned in the New Testament. First Paul reveals his own life’s example when he writes, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” (Gal. 2:20). Later in that letter he laments, “...I am again in labour until Christ is formed in you” (Gal. 4:19). Then to the Thessalonians, “It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2Thes. 2:14). This is also why he earnestly prayed for the Ephesians, “…so that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith” (Eph. 3:17). 

Did the Apostle not write to the Philippian Christians that he presses on towards the prize of the upward call of God (Php. 3:14) with the eager expectation that Christ will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory (Php. 3:21)? Is this not the very thing Christ Jesus Himself is doing in the preparation of His bride—“…that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless” (Eph. 5:27)?

The forgiveness of sins through the precious blood of Jesus; redemption into the kingdom of light; made righteous by faith; separated as God’s holy possession and all the other blessings received through God’s great grace are the important initiations that ultimately culminate to the fullness of this purpose. God’s daily working everything for our good; His discipline over us; His command to live worthy of the calling we have received; walking in faith and obedience and love; are but steps that lead to this end goal. 

It is for this reason that the Apostle John writes, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1Jn. 3:2, 3).

There is a second part to the last chapter of God’s redemption story—a part that He has so graciously chosen to give to us as an inheritance. We know from Revelation 21:1 that God is creating a new heaven and a new earth. In that new earth is a city, the New Jerusalem where God Himself will dwell. The city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. There will be no night (Rev. 21:23, 25). There will no longer be heard in her the voice of weeping and the sound of crying. There, the wolf and the lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox (Isa. 65:19, 25).

The new earth would probably be like the time before the great Fall for ever since then we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth until now. Creation itself was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God (Rom. 8:20-22). 

This new creation is the inheritance that the author of Hebrews spoke about for he wrote, “By faith Abraham lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Heb. 11:9, 10). It is the place our Lord Himself spoke of when He said, “In My Father’s house, there are many dwelling places” (Jn. 14:2). It is such a place that God has granted us to inherit. Before that we shall all be changed. This perishable body will be replaced with an imperishable one (1Cor. 15:52, 53; 2Cor. 5:2-4).

Someone by the name of Bob Pickle has taken the trouble to use the calculations that Ezekiel provided in Chapter 48 and what John delivered in his Revelation to give us some insight into the new earth. His conclusions were very intriguing. In his writing he submitted how the earth could be divided amongst the tribes of Israel; where the city could be and other fascinating insights. Should you be interested to read what he writes you could use this link: http://www.pickle-publishing.com/papers/ezekiels-city-circumference-of-the-earth.htm 

As a gentile, grafted into the true Vine (Rom. 11:24; Jn. 15:1, 4) who has broken the dividing wall that separated me from the promise of Abraham (Eph. 2:13-16), I rejoice at the glorious grace that God has so richly lavished upon me, and not only to me but to all who believe in His Name.

To them that overcome, our risen Lord would grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God (Rev. 2:7). To such He would give the crown of life and they would not be hurt by the second death (Rev. 2:10, 11). They would be given some of the hidden manna and a white stone and a new name written on it which no one knows except he who receives it (Rev. 2:17). It is important to note at this point that when God gives a name, it almost always has a task or a role associated with it. To the overcomer, Christ promises to give authority over the nations. They will also be given the morning star (Rev. 26-28). Such will be clothed in white garments (again there is great significance in this and is not something ordinary. Compare with Rev. 19:8); his name will never be erased from the book of life but rather would be uplifted before the Father—probably as a name to be recognized; just as Joseph’s or Daniel’s names were brought before the ruler (Rev. 3:5). The overcomer would be made a pillar in the temple of God and such a one would not go out from it anymore. Instead he would have the name of God and the name of the city of God and the name of the One whose name is above every other name (Rev. 3:12). There is such power granted to the one with such a promise, it just can’t be taken lightly. Finally, the overcomer will be granted to sit down with the King of kings and the Lord of lords before whom every knee shall bow, on His throne (Rev. 3:21).

Is this not a great future prepared for those who love God and believe in His Son Jesus Christ? Is it any wonder that we have been asked to live as sojourners (Heb. 11:9, 13)? Is it not the reason why our Lord Jesus in His High Priestly prayer repeatedly said, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (Jn. 17: 14, 16)? Oh that we would constantly keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is seated (Col. 3:1, 2). 

In the Beatitudes that our Lord taught, He brought in a harmonious combination of both aspects that constitutes the last chapter in God’s redemption story. In each of the nine short yet powerful phrases that teach us how we should ‘be’, Jesus showed us how our behaviour could show “Christ in us” and added the eternal inheritance that one would receive as a consequence. Those who pursue this, our Saviour called, “blessed”.

Dr. A. W. Tozer, in his sermon, ‘Prosperous, Comfortable and Spiritually Bored’, said, “God has set eternity in our hearts and we have chosen time instead. He is trying to interest us in a glorious tomorrow and we are settling for an inglorious today. We are bogged down in local interests and have lost sight of eternal purposes. We improvise and muddle along, hoping for heaven at last but showing no eagerness to get there, correct in doctrine but weary of prayer and bored with God.”

Oh that we would pursue eternity instead of time. Oh that our eyes could be opened to see the glorious tomorrow instead of the inglorious today. I can testify that such a heart would continually have a spirit of praise and rejoicing even though we go through various trials (1Thes. 5:16; Jas. 1:2). For though in this world we will have trouble (Jn. 16:33), we recognise that these momentary, light afflictions are producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2Cor. 4:17, 18).

May God give strength to each heart that we persevere in Him with all steadfastness and hope and patience (Col. 1:11); not growing weary but courageously clinging to Him in faith; for He Himself has promised, “in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay” (Heb. 10:37). May He who keeps us from stumbling (Jude 24) help us not to shrink back to destruction, but be as those who have faith to the preserving of the soul (Heb. 10:39). And while we live here on earth, may grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with us always.

The Greatest Credentials Ever

What a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus!
In six short sentences we read the great credentials of Jesus. 
No one in heaven or earth or under the earth can claim these.