Ultimately, nothing is going wrong, because Jesus Christ is the Redeemer of all things, including us who believe in Him.
Today’s reading: Isaiah 41-42; Colossians 1
1Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. Isaiah 42:1
19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:19-20
Yesterday, I said “everything is going wrong” and tried to summarize the cause. But there is more to the story. Nothing is going wrong, because all things are under God’s control and all things will culminate according to His plan and will.
Isaiah wrote to Judah and Israel, the divided kingdom, where it seemed that their existence was hanging by a thread. He has called Israel “His servant” (41:9), but what a flaky servant she is! She cannot be trusted to be faithful to the Lord. She is quickly drawn away to idols. She is blind to her own calling and history (42:18-25). What does God do? He chooses a new servant. Well, He is not really new because we learn He is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ.
This chosen servant has the Spirit of God upon him. He will bring justice to the nations. He will not wear out or be discouraged before accomplishing His work in the earth. How gracious of God to find Someone to do what Israel could not or would not do!
Paul writes much about Jesus, showing who He is and what He has done (see also Ephesians 2-3). Paul prays that the Colossians will grasp the truth about Jesus, because it is through His suffering on the cross that He has made peace and reconciled all things to Himself. Through Christ we “have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (vs. 14).
While it is important to recognize the trends and problems of our society today and do what we can to forestall corruption, it is even more important to recognize that God is not intimidated or frustrated by anything. Jesus will not grow faint or be discouraged before accomplishing His work of redemption in the earth. Should we? Take heart. Ultimately, nothing is going wrong.
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