I wonder how many among those reading know by the grace of God what He has done to you. I love the finality in His speech and the past tense in His acts. I cringe when I hear redemption spoke as a future accomplishment based on our actions or abhor those speaking of a god that could. We worship a God that has. I pray He gives us the perspective and grants us a measure of true hope and faith.
Extra Credit: After my last commentary I was questioned about what to and what not to preach. I felt I dealt with it and spoke boldly and scriputurally in the extra credit portion. Looking at the complete other side I choose this devotion from Pastor Todd Nibert on What should be preached. To deal with the soft feel good messages that so many propagate from pulpits weekly.
Jhn 13:12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
Jhn 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am.
Jhn 13:14 If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
Jhn 13:15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you
- Is there any significance in Christ not speaking until after He was seated again?
Know ye what I have done to you? This is a question which we should often put to ourselves respecting what our Lord says, and what He does to us. None of His works are the unfruitful works of darkness. They are all full of meaning. They are all intended to serve a purpose, and a good one; and it is of importance, in most cases, that we should be aware of it. If we look at His work in the light of His Word, and seek the guidance of His good Spirit, we shall generally be able to discern His wise and benign purpose, even in dispensations at first sight very strange and mysterious. He only can explain His intentions, and He will not suffer His humble, enquiring disciples to remain ignorant of them, if it be for their real benefit to know them. (Dr. John Brown)
Our problem many times with trails, troubles, and confusion is our perspective. We look forward in uncertainty and look to ourselves for what we may do. Instead we should look as if it complete because to God, not only is it settled but settled for our good and His honor. Instead we should look to Christ and lean on what He will accomplish in His time. Dear reader all things will come to light in His times if He deems necessary to reveal them. All things that now stand to confound and confuse take to Him and set in patience for lessons He chooses to provide.
Mat 5:1,13:2,24:3
