And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Rom. 8:28-32
Lord Jesus, I’m thankful to know that every word of the Word, in one way or another, is ultimately about you. Every command drives me to you. Every promise is fulfilled in you. Every story whispers your name, points to your glory, and proffers your grace. This is why I love the Bible so very much.
Yet there are some Scriptures that are kind of like “homeroom” to me—like a favorite chair, longstanding friendship or scenic view. To go there puts everything into perspective—centers me and settles me, yet again. This portion of Romans is just such a place. All the Immanuel promises, all the carols and hymns of Advent converge right here. The hopes and fears of all my years are met right here in these several verses. Your presence and your presents are all that I need and more than I realize—way beyond all I could have ever hoped for or imagined. O, so very indeed, you are God with us and God for us.
You are at work in all things for your glory and for my good—in the obvious and in the not-so-obvious; in my gains and in my pains; in the things that are easy to accept, and in the things which seem to contradict what I know; when I’m “feeling the love” and when I’m feeling very lonely, even betrayed; when the gospel makes all the sense in the world to me and when I’m tempted to say with John the Baptist, “Are you the Messiah, or should we be looking for another?”
But, Lord Jesus, there is no other Messiah, Savior, or Lord. We don’t need to and dare not begin to look anywhere else. You are the resolve to the ache, emptiness and longings of my heart. Absolutely nothing can separate me from your love, for I’ve been called according to the Father’s purpose—a providence which will never fail or falter.
He “foreknew” me—he set his affection upon me before the world began, and he will continue to provide everything necessary to complete the work of the gospel in my life… in the whole family of God… and in the entire creation. Justified fully, I will be glorified completely. Because you generously gave your life for us, God now graciously gives all things to us. “Thrice hallelujah!”, I shout, with my brothers and sisters, to your glory and honor. So very Amen I pray, by the light of this good news of great joy.
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