And all
that dwell upon the earth shall worship him [the Beast, aka Anti-Christ] whose names are not
written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.
Revelation 13:8
Contemplating the universe can be an awe-inspiring experience when we include in our thoughts the Majesty and fully Perfected Attributes of the one who spoke it into existence. This universal concept is even something youngsters wonder about. I am reminded of the time my then 9-year-old granddaughter asked me out of the blue, “Pepa, what’s outside of the universe?” I thought “And that from a 4th grader!” In my shock I could only say, “God is the only one, honey.” Who else could be there?
This week in
my meditations I have remembered how Isaiah and Paul wrote that no eye has
seen, nor ear heard, the things God has prepared for those who love Him (Isaiah
64:4, 1st Corinthians 2:9). He is everywhere-present in His power
and understanding and holds all things under His authority. Things within the
universe and without-the transcendent-with an ease guided by His word or
thought. Isaiah writes of Him: Who has measured the waters in the hollow of
his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held
the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on scales and the
hills in balance? (40:12)
How can a
God of that magnitude not be able to move and answer our needs? And all that
power is exercised in a Grace that is beyond amazing, raising it to the
category of astounding!
The Lamb
slain from the foundation of the world revealed an unconditionally loving
Father who knowing Adam would fail by his own choice of disobedience (Genesis
3:6), had already set into motion an incredible Plan of Redemption. It was
decided it would be His life for ours, even before earth’s first foundational
pillar was set (Revelation 13:8).
Our Father
in heaven, being unwilling that any should perish (2nd Peter 3:9), has
chosen all to receive a crown of righteousness from His Son. Unfortunately, not
all are willing to accept His gracious offer. For those of us who do, His great
power, wisdom, and knowledge are tempered in a personal and loving relationship.
It is so personal that He knows the number of the hairs on your head (Luke
12:7). And with the billions that pray to Him all at once, He hears you
individually and understands your condition and pain fully, as if it were His
own. He even intercedes on your behalf to the Father (Romans 8:34). What
greater advocate can we have to the Father than a perfect fellow human being
who has experienced life in its harshest realities?
To whom else
can we go for the words of eternal life? God is not only good, He’s faithful and
able to do for us personally. That’s why I continue to call Him a Personal
Savior. I wanted to share with you these thoughts on the greatest Majesty, Love,
and Power of the Lord Jesus Christ as the New Year approaches. He is in
complete control, blocking and hindering the darkness Satan brings on the
world. Even though it may not seem so, things are happening that will fulfill
His will and plan.
May the God
who is in control of all things within Creation, and outside of it, be
your Peace in the coming months. We hold fast to His promises looking forward
to His Second Appearance when He will make all things new (Revelation 21:1). We
have a Joyous future to look forward to. Trust in Him, believe and take heart! David
writes in Psalm 32:1, Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Creation’s
first pillar, laid at the foundation of the world, was the cross, and it was
set for you. Your penalty for sin was paid before the world came into being. Rejoice, and praise
our Blessed Savior. Jesus Christ!
See you next year!
Ken
