The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Romans 8:28-29,
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."
Paul has made the point earlier in this letter that all people have a problem with sinfulness, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God", Romans 3:23. As such Paul observes, "When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness." Romans 6:20. Because of this, all who come to the Lord have the need to become fit for the kingdom of heaven. In another letter Paul says that for all who come to Jesus Christ, God makes a "new creation" of them, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17. A part of this "new creation" that comes is what Paul points to in Romans 8:28-29.
God predestined, that is, he determined beforehand, that all who love him will be conformed to the very likeness of his own Son, Jesus Christ! When we come into the kingdom of God, God takes us as we are and begins to do a beautiful work in our lives. He reshapes us, taking from us those old sinful ways of bitterness, anger, immorality, etc. and begins to shape within us the beautiful disposition and character of Jesus.
Where once might have been found, "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like." Galatians 5:19-21, now is found, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" and the like. Galatians 5:22-23.
Paul tells us that the Lord uses difficulties we encounter in this life to bring about these wonderful changes. Things like "trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword", Romans 8:35. The very things that might be cause for discouragement, disappointment and despair now become the very tools that "God works for the good of those who love him". The end result is that in the resurrection Jesus Christ will be the firstborn "among many brothers"!
God works for the good of those who love him... even in the very difficulties we experience in this life! This tells me so much about the heart of the God we love and serve.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."
Paul has made the point earlier in this letter that all people have a problem with sinfulness, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God", Romans 3:23. As such Paul observes, "When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness." Romans 6:20. Because of this, all who come to the Lord have the need to become fit for the kingdom of heaven. In another letter Paul says that for all who come to Jesus Christ, God makes a "new creation" of them, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17. A part of this "new creation" that comes is what Paul points to in Romans 8:28-29.
God predestined, that is, he determined beforehand, that all who love him will be conformed to the very likeness of his own Son, Jesus Christ! When we come into the kingdom of God, God takes us as we are and begins to do a beautiful work in our lives. He reshapes us, taking from us those old sinful ways of bitterness, anger, immorality, etc. and begins to shape within us the beautiful disposition and character of Jesus.
Where once might have been found, "sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like." Galatians 5:19-21, now is found, "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" and the like. Galatians 5:22-23.
Paul tells us that the Lord uses difficulties we encounter in this life to bring about these wonderful changes. Things like "trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword", Romans 8:35. The very things that might be cause for discouragement, disappointment and despair now become the very tools that "God works for the good of those who love him". The end result is that in the resurrection Jesus Christ will be the firstborn "among many brothers"!
God works for the good of those who love him... even in the very difficulties we experience in this life! This tells me so much about the heart of the God we love and serve.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
"The wicked freely strut about
when what is vile is honored by the human race." Psalm 12:8.
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
"The wicked freely strut about
when what is vile is honored by the human race." Psalm 12:8.
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