As Christians, I believe we can take encouragement – as well as warning – from this and similar scripture that promises God’s continued presence ADVERTISEMENT
in our lives even as we feel or actually become separated from him because of our hectic schedules or by straying from his will through carelessness and rebellion. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:18; so do not fear that he will abandon his plan for our salvation nor presume he will adjust his expectations of us in return. (See Hebrews 1:10-12)
Scripture records Samuel the prophet scolding King Saul for his impatient and arrogant disregard for God’s will, relaying God’s determination to remove Saul as King, giving the crown to one who would more closely obey him. In doing so, he assured everyone that, “He who is the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind, for he is not a man, that he should change his mind.” 1 Samuel 15:29 (See also Numbers 23:19) As “…the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” Psalm 33:11 We may stand in the way of the fulfillment of God’s plan for us as we reject his ways and refuse to accommodate his will for our lives, but his purpose remains the same; “…not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 As He has said, “If (David’s) sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness.” Psalm 89:30-33 (See also Jeremiah 7:1-19)
As David’s spiritual descendants, we too may be flogged even as we are loved. 1 John 12:5,6 “My Son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a Son.” Hebrews 12:5,6 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 Paul later declaring, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” Romans 1:16
In concluding a binding covenant – or contract – with Israel, the promises of God were laid out alongside his expectations of the recipients of those promises, “Carefully follow the terms of this covenant, so that you may prosper in everything you do.” Deuteronomy 29:9 Moses pointing out that the purposes of God’s promise and Israel’s oath of obedience were intended to be ongoing, “…not only with you who are standing here with us today in the presence of the Lord our God but also with those who are not here today.” Deuteronomy 29:14,15 Words echoed by Jesus when he declared, “I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.” John 10:16
John later wrote of this united message and congregated flock, held together by a continuing message of loving God first and foremost while loving others as ourselves. (Matthew 22:37) “…I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard.” 1 John 2:7; from Jesus and throughout the Mosaic Law. Jesus fulfilling the requirements of the sacrificial system (Hebrews 9:26-28 & Matthew 5:17), love fulfilling the obligation of the law. (See Matthew 13:34, Matthew 22:34-40 and Romans 13:8-10 “…a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,…” Titus 1:2)
For in truth, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change…” James 12:7 As “…the plans of the Lord stand firm forev
Answered by
Vipan Thapar
, an ibibo Master,
at
4:42 PM on October 14, 2008