Going to plan or chaos?
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As you look at the world in which we live, what do you see? A world out of control or chaos? Too most, if not all, surely the world must look as though it is spiraling out of control. Global Financial Crisis looming again, oil prices skyrocketing and war is threatening in the Middle East!
But what about closer to home, your own personal world? We see more and more marriages struggling, families falling apart and people looking to ways to either dull the pain of living or sadly seeking to end their own lives.
As we head to Easter shortly, I want to give you encouragement today, in spite of what you see or maybe are even experiencing.
God is in control!
Days before Jesus was to be crucified, we get a window into the elaborate planning of God, which was set before the foundations of the world were made, being revealed by Jesus as He prepares to enter Jerusalem, the week of Passover, on the day we call Palm Sunday.
Matthew 21: 1 As Jesus and the disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the town of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into the village over there,” he said. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a donkey tied there, with its colt beside it. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone asks what you are doing, just say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will immediately let you take them.” 4 This took place to fulfill the prophecy that said, 5 “Tell the people of Jerusalem, ‘Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey— riding on a donkey’s colt.’”
This whole scene paints a graphic picture of planning, order, control and power.
Jesus had all this ready for the disciples to follow when the time was right. He set it up.
So often people think that Jesus Christ was a victim of a cruel time in history. The Bible carefully details even from the very first book, Genesis, that God had a plan and His plan is seen throughout the pages of history and God’s Word.
Jesus was not a victim. Jesus was however, a sacrifice.
Jesus was not at the mercy of a cruel period in history. Jesus entered our world when the timing was absolutely right for His plan to be finalised concerning His death and resurrection.
He said He would die before He was arrested. He said He would be crucified before He was crucified. He said He would rise from the dead before He was dead.
To you and I today, this knowledge that Jesus was not a victim, tells us that God was and is in complete control – of everything!
What do I do with that information? I rest in it knowing that God, the loving God, full of mercy and truth, has my life in His hands and that nothing and no -one can separate me from His love.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”Matthew 11:28
There is something amazing and peaceful about knowing that God is in control – of everything. No surprises!
Will you tonight change from a life lived as a victim to that of a life lived as a believer!