Had our first parents understood the purpose of their creation, the beauty and wonder of the world itself might be the greatest wonder ~ and all men may have come to know the Creator as the greatest wonder of heaven and earth.
But, the enemy of God gave God’s creatures a different idea of greatness, and the quest for man’s greatness was instilled in the heart of man. God and His creation were separated as a result of man’s disobedience to His Word but this did not change God or disrupt His plans.
He has continued to reveal His greatness and the greatness of man. And here is the difference. Disobedience and sin against God have continued and the evil in man has become one of the great wonders of the world. Isn’t it amazing that we have not destroyed the earth and ourselves? Even more amazing is that God has not destroyed us all.
God, our Heavenly Father revealed His mercy through His Son, Jesus, as the greatest wonder for all time. Jesus spoke of His greater greatness as compared to Solomon and Jonah in Matthew 12:41-42.
“But God, who is rich in mercy” continues to reveal His love to the world, having shown His mercy and great love through the sacrifice of His Son. He is saving a people for Himself, enabling us to live as light in the middle of this “evil and perverse generation” (Philippians 2:14-16) to show the greater of the two wonders.
Evil seems to be the greatest wonder ~ open to the whole world, prevalent, and accepted by the majority of the world.
Only those who have experienced the richness of God’s mercy and “the great love wherewith He loved us while we still sinners” know what is greater and more wonderful than the world can see. Praise and rejoicing are the responses to His greatness and wonder that will be carried from here throughout eternity.
He calls us to acknowledge His greatness above all others with His promise to reveal the wonder of His greatness to the whole world at His second coming.
Which wonder is the greatest to you? Be grateful and tell others if you are caught up in the wonder of our God’s mercy, love, and grace.
Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” Jude 1:21
Father in heaven, shine the light in our hearts to reveal the knowledge of your glory in the face of Jesus Christ. Show us your mercy. Work the wonder of your grace in and through us so others will see your presence and the power of your great love in us ~ for your glory and our joy. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
The following video by R.C. Sproul initiated my thoughts for this post. No man is worthy of God’s love or mercy. We all deserve His wrath, but He chose to show His mercy to some. And we who know His mercy live in gratitude that it is His idea and work in us, not our own. Fran
There are 4664 verses in which the word ALL is found in the Bible. We scrolled through these and prayed the Lord would point out the most important ones. This was not easy, but I felt I needed some insight into this word and how it is used. It is a little word packed with truths of our Lord through whom we live and move and have our being.
If there was one word that summed up the words of life it would be this one.
This is an extensive list and could serve as one Word of Life, so we suggest before you scroll through these references, ask the Holy Spirit to stop you where you need to read whole verses. We will publish a page on this blog for this list of Words of Life, so as to make it easier to reference in the future.
The Old Testament
In Noah’s day, we see the Lord’s rule over His creation. “And all flesh died that moved upon the earth” Genesis 7:21 “the Lord smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt,” Exodus 12:29
In Sodom and Gomorrah, He destroyed “all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities” Genesis 19:25
Then we see some of those verses which relate to the Lord’s relationship with His people, from the Old Testament beginning with His promise to Abraham “in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” Genesis 12:3;Genesis 28:14
He promised, if they obeyed and kept His covenant, “then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:” Exodus 19:5
They were to “teach the children of Israel all the statutes” Leviticus 10:11 “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth” Psalm 25:10
He has “forgiven and covered all the sin of His people Psalm 85:2
“All the horns of the wicked also will I cut off; but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted.” Psalm 75:10
We continue in the book of Psalms.
All who hope and trust in the Lord are “blessed” Psalm 2:12; their “heart is strengthened” Psalm 31:24; “God is a refuge” Psalm 62:8
ALL in Relationship to His Name
“O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.” Psalm 8:1
“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” Psalm 103:1
“Allnations shall glorify thy name.” Psalm 86:9 “His name endures forever, throughout all generations.” Psalm 135:13
All in His Works
“By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” Psalm 33:6
The psalmist praises with his whole heart and shews “forth all thy marvellous works.” Psalm 9:1
“The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.” Psalm 145:17
The following verses describe His relationship with “allthe ends of the world and allthe kindreds of the nations.” Psalm 22:27
“From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth.” Psalm 33:14
“God is the King of all the earth” Psalm 47:7; “let thy glory be above all the earth.” Psalm 57:5
“The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.” Psalm 103:19
The Lord In All Generations “Our dwelling place in allgenerations.” Psalm 90:1 “His mercy, his truth, his faithfulness endureth toall generations.” Psalm 100:5; Psalm 119:90 “thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.” Psalm 145:13: Psalm 146:10
“The Lord preserveth all them that love Him, but all the wicked will he destroy.” Psalm 145:20
New Testament
All in Man “He knew all men.” John 2:24
“For all have sinned” Romans 3:23 “For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man falleth away:” 1 Peter 1:24 “For all that is in the world is of the world.” 1 John 2:16 “All unrighteousness is sin:.” 1 John 5:17 “we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10 “judgment upon all, to convince all that are ungodly of all their ungodly deeds and of all their hard speeches” Jude 1:15
“all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.” Revelation 1:7
All Things
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; andall these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
“All things were delivered to Him of His Father.” Matthew 11:27: Luke 10:22
“With God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
“All things were made by Him.” John 1:3
“For by him were all things created,” Colossians 1:16 “created all things” Revelation 4:11
“God quickeneth all things,” 1 Timothy 6:13
“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.” Romans 11:36
“the Father had given all things into his hands” John 13:3
“All things were accomplished.” John 19:28
“He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things.” Acts 17:25
“In all these things we are more than conquerors.” Romans 8:37
“all things work together for His purpose.” Romans 8:28
“He delivered him up for us all… with him also freely give us allthings?” Romans 8:32 “Who shall subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:21
“And he is before all things, and by himall things consist.” Colossians 1:17
“in allthings he might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18 “appointed heir of all things.” Hebrews 1:2 “upholding allthings by the word of his power,”Hebrews 1:3
“for whom are all things, and by whom are all things,” Hebrews 2:10 “all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him.” Hebrews 4:13 “above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:” 1 Peter 4:8 “given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness” 2 Peter 1:3 “allthese things shall be dissolved… be in all holy conversation and godliness,” 2 Peter 3:11 “in Christ, all things are new.”2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1:22;Revelation 21:5 “Prove all things.”1 Thessalonians 5:21 “every man temperate inallthings.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 “Do allthings without murmurings and disputings:” Philippians 2:14 “count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:” Philippians 3:8
All of God Jesus came to “fulfill all righteousness.” Matthew 3:15
“All power” was given unto Him.’ Matthew 28:18
“The Father hath committed all judgment to the Son.”John 5:22
“All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; ” John 6:37
“above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion.” Ephesians 1:21
“all things under his feet,..head over all things to the church.”Ephesians 1:22
“Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Ephesians 1:23
“He is Lord of all.” Acts 10:36; to all that call upon Him.” Romans 10:12 “One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:6
“Christ is all, and in all.” Colossians 3:11 “God worketh all in all.” 1 Corinthians 12:6 “all the promises of God in him” 2 Corinthians 1:20
“the God of all comfort;” 2 Corinthians 1:3
“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;” Colossians 1:19
“In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3
“For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.” Colossians 2:9
“All scripture by inspiration of God,” 2 Timothy 3:16 Paul declared “all the counsel of God.” Acts 20:27
“high priest in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15“
Holiest ofall;” Hebrews 9:3 “the Judge of all,” Hebrews 12:23 “the God of all grace,” 1 Peter 5:10 “God shall wipe awayall tears from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17;
God Working All in Man “offence of one judgment upon all men to condemnation; righteousness of one the free gift upon allmen unto justification of life.” Romans 5:18 “The gospel preached to all the world.” Matthew 24:14
“redeem us from all iniquity,” Titus 2:14 “the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us fromall sin.” 1 John 1:7 “forgiven all trespasses;” Colossians 2:13 “But wisdom is justified of all her children.” Luke 7:35
“All that believe are justified.” Acts 13:39
“The Spirit of truth will guide into all truth.” John 16:13
“blessed withall spiritual blessings:” Ephesians 1:3 “allwisdom and prudence;” Ephesians 1:8 “strengthened with all might, unto allpatience.” Colossians 1:11
“filled with all the fulness of God.” Ephesians 3:19
“able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think,” Ephesians 3:20 “glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages” Ephesians 3:21
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;” Ephesian 6:18
“peace which passeth all understanding,” Philippians 4:7 “I can do all things through Christ. Philippians 4:13 “God shall supply all your need.” Philippians 4:19 “thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Timothy 3:17
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
“do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:17
“all baptized into one body, all made to drink into one Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 12:13 “That all may be one.” John 17:21
“all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 “sanctified are all of one:” Hebrews 2:11 “one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.” 1 Corinthians 10:17 “all of one mind,” 1 Peter 3:8 “all joy and peace in believing,” Romans 15:13 “count itall joy when ye fall into divers temptations;” James 1:2| “all the law is fulfilled in one word,..love thy neighbour as thyself.” Galatians 5:14
“abound in love one toward another, and toward all men,: 1 Thessalonians 3:12 “Abstain fromallappearance of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22
“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12
(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Ephesians 5:9
“Preach the word; with all long suffering and doctrine.” 2 Timothy 4:2 “shewing all meekness untoall men.” Titus 3:2 “Casting all your care upon him.” 1 Peter 5:7 “giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;”2 Peter 1:5 “a crown of righteousness, unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:8
“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Revelation 22:21
Dear Father in heaven, how can we begin to understand all things about you and ourselves except you reveal and fulfill the promises you have made in and through Jesus, your dear Son. By your Holy Spirit use this post now and in the future to make your Words of Life known to us, your children. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Fran Whether Therefore Ye Eat or Drink ~ 1 Corinthians 10:31
As we look at the word AFFECTION, we understand its meaning from the beginning of God’s Word, seeing that everything good begins with God. Affection is related to what we love; what we find to be pleasant and desirable. The right love is first revealed in God. He, through His Word, shows us true love and where our affections should be. Deuteronomy 33:3 speaks of the love of God for His people when Moses gave them His commandments. He gave His rules only to His people because He loved them; derived from H2245 chabab (khaw-bab) meaning to cherish (with affection) – love. Biblical affection seems to be a special love from God, and us to Him, the things of God and His people.
Old Testament H7521 Strong’s ratsah rä·tsä’a primitive root; to be pleased with, be favourable to, accept favourably. (See references)
King David, before his death, had planned to build the temple, but was only able to prepare for it. It would be his son, Solomon, who would build it. But because of his affection ~ his love ~ for God, he gave his gold and silver for it.
“Moreover, because I have set my affection to the house of my God, I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,”
1 Chronicles 29:3
New Testament G3804 Strong’s defines affection: pathema pä’-thā-mä
subjectively, an emotion or influence:– affection, affliction, motion, suffering; affection for (denoting personal attachment, as a matter of sentiment or feeling) Galatians 5:24
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
G5426 phroneo fron-eh’-o from 5424; to exercise the mind, i.e. entertain or have a sentiment or opinion; by implication, to be (mentally) disposed (more or less earnestly in a certain direction); intensively, to interest oneself in (with concern or obedience):–set the affection on, regard, savour, think. phroneo is used in several references for the word savour, Colossians 3:2
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
The Spirit of Christ turns us from the affections of the flesh and the things of the world to “things above.” (We will elaborate on Colossians 3:1-4 in our next post, Intent, Tender, and Tenacious.)
4698 splagchnonc splangkh’-non probably strengthened from splen (the “spleen”); an intestine (plural); figuratively, pity or sympathy:–bowels, inward affection, + tender mercy.
Regarded by the Hebrews as the seat of the tenderer affections, esp. kindness, benevolence, compassion; hence our heart (tender mercies, affections, etc.) In 2 Corinthians 7:15, Paul speaks of Titus’ affection toward the believers at Corinth.
“And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.”
Paul’s affection for the Gentile Christians uses the word homeiromai ho-mā’-ro-mī G2442 meaning to desire, long for, esp. the longing of love.
“So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
Romans 12:10 uses the word philostorgos fil-os’-tor-gos G5387 from G5384, (cherishing one’s kindred; parents, children, natural relatives, i.e . fraternal towards fellow Christians.
“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;”
From God’s affection for His people in the Old Testament, King David’s affection for God and His house, to the love of Christ in the New Testament, we are taught and delivered from our natural affections. Being raised with Christ to new life, we set our affections on Him and the heavenly life that awaits in glory with Him. In the meantime, our hearts are trained to show mercy and compassion on those of our own household and fellow believers.
Gracious Father, thank you for the example of your affections for your people, through the nation of Israel and us, who are new creatures in Christ. Teach us to exercise our minds in the things of your Word, so as to displace our affections for the things of this world with the things above which are eternal In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Fran
Mark 20:46-52 is the record of a blind man who called, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.”
Having Bartimaeus brought to Him, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
“Lord, that I might receive my sight.”
This question has been resurfacing in my heart for a while. If Jesus were here today, and I could be blessed for Him to physically pass my way, what would I want from Him?
Considering that, of all who approached Him, Jesus asked this question only to a blind man, my answer would apply to my sight.
“jesus, have mercy on me. Open my eyes to see you as you truly are.”
“Show me the beauty of your holiness and the work that you have done for us, so that we may love you more and diligently follow you as did Bartimaeus.”
‘”I ask this not just for me but for your people everywhere. Let us see you as our refuge at all times.”
“Open the eyes and hearts of men and women who have been in the destruction of this recent storm to look to you for all they need.
“Open our eyes to see their need. Unite our hearts in this time of disaster.
Give us hearts of compassion, that we trust in you for our own needs and that we would even sacrifice for food and shelter for others in need.”
“Shine your light into our hearts for new life and joy, even in the middle of adversity. I ask to see your work in hearts and hands, for your glory and for the sake of others. Turn hearts to you during this time.”
“Dear Father, send your Holy Spirit, open our eyes to see Jesus, to know Him, to love Him and obey Him. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”Jesus may pass our way only one time in our lives. Cry out to Him. He will hear and answer. He promised to show Jeremiah great and might things not known. Jesus still hears and answers. He is the same yesterday, today and forever.
Power without mercy is like
a locomotive without brakes.
It destroys everything in its path;
And eventually destroys itself.
Power With Mercy Power with mercy brings things together, unites, and bears the fruit of its own working. Such was the purpose of the coming of Jesus Christ, to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8); to restore what His Father had created in their image.
All God’s creatures have power ~ power that was given when He created the first man. It is a latent power in each of us. How we use it depends on who harnesses it. Jesus Christ gives the Holy Spirit to those who believe in and follow Him so as to turn the power within us by His grace, to live in Him, and through Him. The fruit of His grace through us is mercy toward others, even those who continue under the power of the enemy.
Paul prayed for the first Christians:
“that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, (are) being rooted and grounded in love.” Ephesians 1:16-17
“being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified youto share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 1:11-14
Dear Father in heaven, as you watch your creatures here on earth, please have mercy upon us. Rend the heavens and come down; as the melting fire burneth, make your name known among the adversaries. Fill us with your Spirit of grace; unite us as your children that we may be light in this darkness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
“So then it depends not on human will or exertion,
but on God, who has mercy.”
Romans 9:16 ESV
As deists, Voltaire and Diderot attacked Christianity—“their primary weapon aimed at the church was ‘truth’.” (Dr. Bruce Shelley, Church History in Plain Language*) “We think that the greatest service to be done to men,” said Diderot, “is to teach them to use their reason, only to hold for truth what they have verified and proved.” What did these men know of “truth” in their young years of their own “enlightenment?” What had they proven by their own “reasoning” in their latter years? What did they have in the end?
Man may create happiness for himself while he is able to think clearly, when everything seems to be in his control, but this does not last. God has proven His work of grace, not only through His written word (which “reasoning” discards), but in the reality of life to its very end.
God proved the truth of His grace to me in 1994 as I, for three weeks, watched my dad gradually consumed by esophageal cancer.** How could he “reason” for himself what was happening to him? What was truth to him, at that point of his life? He had only the mercy (which he had asked for) and the grace of God, which we all experienced together. He could no longer eat or drink. He could do nothing but wait for his final breath. He was never on morphine, and so was aware of everything going on around him. He could hear, (until now I had not realized that as a work of God’s grace), and we had those last days to sit by his side, to sing to him, to read the Father’s precious words of truth. God’s grace was strikingly evident in Daddy’s humility, and his peaceful spirit of acceptance in his last week, and at the end. He died on Labor Day—his epitaph, “Resting in the Lord.”
For five years we experienced the devastating effects of dementia in Mother’s life. She had no means of “reasoning.” Nor could we, even though we could still think clearly—clearly in that we could accept that God was sovereign, in control of all things. Though we could not understand through our own reasoning, we were learning more and more to trust in God’s mercy and grace for what each day would bring. (And we failed many times—for who is prepared ahead of time for such things.) Her last month was spent in a nursing home, much to our grief; but we were not able to care for her any longer. I could not “reason” with that.
But, even there, in her last few days, God’s hand of mercy and grace sustained us and held us together. She had been unresponsive for almost four days. Jerry and I sat with her those last few hours. Monday was my birthday, and I prayed, “Father, please don’t let her die on my birthday.” At twelve midnight the nurses were in and out, checking her vital signs. The younger nurse asked the older (who was wearing the white cap, and the white uniform), “Shouldn’t we give her something?” The older nurse answered, “No, she is at peace.” A few minutes later, as I detected her breathing to be very shallow, and holding her hand, I stood and recited Psalm 23 for her. When I finished, she took her last breath. I looked at the clock. It was 12:38. I could not have willed that; it was God’s grace.
A most recent example is of Ed, 86, still a member of our church, but no longer attending. He has dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease) and now lives with his daughter, Cyndi, and her husband in another state. In her last email she wrote of how she reads the Bible to him, and he will quote with her much of God’s Word, as she reads. It is not by his “reasoning” but by God’s grace, that he recalls the Word of truth that he has hidden in his heart.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you tohis eternal glory in Christ, will himself
restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. This is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
1 Peter 5:10-12 ESV
*Our pastor is sharing this study with our membership. **”Daddy” was my first book, in which I recorded the working of God’s grace in those three weeks.
In the quietness of the morning it seemed that I could hear the faint sound of a motor. It was still dark outside, too early for the sound of lawn maintenance that we often hear early in the day. I lay in bed wondering if this sound was outside, or in the house (running water, furnace, etc.) The only conclusion was that the sound was inside my head. (Surely, you have heard such a sound. If not, you will when you’re old.) The sound is gone now, but it brought to mind the thought that there is a power within the world that keeps it going. Since it encompasses, and works within the whole of the universe and creation it is beyond our comprehension, beyond our finding out. It is revealed through various means—God’s Word, His Spirit, our circumstances, in relationships, in quietness, and in upheavals.
Without God’s mercy His wrath would have already been poured out upon the whole earth. Since the flood He has promised this mercy until He has accomplished all His will on the earth.
Mercy, or Mercy and Grace?
What is the difference in God’s mercy and His grace? My understanding of the two is that mercy is “not receiving what we deserve.” God has not destroyed the earth and all its inhabitants at one time, so that He may bring into His kingdom all those for whom Christ died—-that He may save a people for Himself; accomplishing His purpose for creation and His glory. Mercy for some is living a good life here on earth, though they may not inherit the kingdom of God.
Grace is “receiving what we do not deserve,” — CHRIST! No one is born into this world deserving life in Christ. (Romans 8:2) It is freely given according to the counsel of God’s own will. (John 1:12-13; Ephesians 1:11)
Mercy for some is to save us from our sin—not to leave us where we are, but to take us to something else.
Regular or High Octane?
As “regular” gas fills a vehicle and facilitates its movement, so, mercy may get us through this life, enjoying our own success and pleasure—our own life.
Grace, on the other hand, is the high-octane power of God within a man to move him in the life and joy of Christ here on this earth, continually filling to His praise and honor, and future glory, moving us onward and upward to the unknown heights of heaven.
Mercy is for earth or water movement only. Grace is for God’s people, the power to raise us beyond this world to His glory. When the apostle Paul spoke of being God’s “workmanship” he had no inkling of the extent to which a ship could rise—from this earth— and beyond to the glory of God and His presence.
Grace, which comes from Christ alone, is the only means whereby man can be lifted from this world to the next. Grace is the means of God’s preserving this world, its turning, its beauty, its movement within, its working according to His own pleasure.
This world will turn on its axis until all God’s people are on board.
“So then it depends not on human will or exertion,
but on God, who has mercy.”
Romans 9:16 ESV
As deists, Voltaire and Diderot attacked Christianity—“their primary weapon aimed at the church was ‘truth’.” (Dr. Bruce Shelley, Church History in Plain Language*) “We think that the greatest service to be done to men,” said Diderot, “is to teach them to use their reason, only to hold for truth what they have verified and proved.” What did these men know of “truth” in their young years of their own “enlightenment?” What had they proven by their own “reasoning” in their latter years? What did they have in the end?
Man may create happiness for himself while he is able to think clearly, when everything seems to be in his control, but this does not last. God has proven His work of grace, not only through His written word (which “reasoning” discards), but in the reality of life to its very end.
God proved the truth of His grace to me in 1994 as I, for three weeks, watched my dad gradually consumed by esophageal cancer.** How could he “reason” for himself what was happening to him? What was truth to him, at that point of his life? He had only the mercy (which he had asked for) and the grace of God, which we all experienced together. He could no longer eat or drink. He could do nothing but wait for his final breath. He was never on morphine, and so was aware of everything going on around him. He could hear, (until now I had not realized that as a work of God’s grace) and we had those last days to sit by his side, to sing to him, to read the Father’s precious words of truth. God’s grace was strikingly evident in Daddy’s humility, and his peaceful spirit of acceptance in his last week, and at the end. He died on Labor Day—his epitaph, “Rest in the Lord.”
For five years we experienced the devastating effects of dementia in Mother’s life. She had no means of “reasoning.” Nor could we, even though we could still think clearly—clearly in that we could accept that God was sovereign, in control of all things. Though we could not understand through our own reasoning, we were learning more and more to trust in God’s mercy and grace for what each day would bring. (And we failed many times—for who is prepared ahead of time for such things.) Her last month was spent in a nursing home, much to our grief; but we were not able to care for her any longer. I could not “reason” with that.
But, even there, in her last few days, God’s hand of mercy and grace reached down and held us together. She had been unresponsive for almost four days. Jerry and I sat with her those last few hours. Monday was my birthday, and I prayed, “Father, please don’t let her die on my birthday.” At twelve midnight the nurses were in and out, checking her vital signs. The younger nurse asked the older (who was wearing the white cap, and the white uniform), “Shouldn’t we give her something?” The older nurse answered, “No, she is at peace.” A few minutes later, as I detected her breathing to be very shallow, and holding her hand, I stood and recited Psalm 23 for her. When I finished, she took her last breath. I looked at the clock. It was 12:38. I could not have willed that; it was God’s grace.
A most recent example is of Ed, 86, still a member of our church, but no longer attending. He has dementia (Alzheimer’s Disease) and now lives with his daughter, Cyndi, and her husband in another state. In her last email she wrote of how she reads the Bible to him, and he will quote with her much of God’s Word, as she reads. It is not by his “reasoning” but by God’s grace, that he recalls the Word of truth that he has hidden in his heart.
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace,who has called you tohis eternal glory in Christ will himself restore,
confirm, strengthen, and establish you. This is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it.
1 Peter 5:10-12 ESV
*Our pastor is sharing this study with our membership. **”Daddy” was my first book, in which I recorded the working of God’s grace in those three weeks.
“But God, who is rich in mercy” continues to reveal His love to the world, having shown His mercy and great love through the sacrifice of His Son. He is saving a people for Himself, enabling us to live as light in the middle of this “evil and perverse generation” (Philippians 2:14-16) to show the greater of the two wonders.
All of God
God's Grace ~ God's Glory! 