Monday, January 2, 2012

"It Came To Pass"


The phrases "come to pass" or "came to pass" occur 618 times in the Bible. A clear message or lesson presents itself to us in this frequent Scriptural reminder that "the fashion of this world passeth away" (I Corinthians 7:31).

In this life, nothing stays the same except the reality that nothing stays the same. We may long for continuity, and seem to get it for awhile. But only for awhile. God Himself constituted our present existence to be fleeting because a sinful, fallen world is no place to plant the stakes of an eternal tent. The strong tendency of our fleshly tendencies, including those of even godly believers, tends toward the idolatry of worshipping and serving the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1:25). A state of flux rather than permanence helps us to overcome such temptation. Change and loss are therefore our friends (although they often don't seem very friendly).


Anything that loosens our grip on dust so that we may "lay hold on eternity life" benefits us (I Timothy 6:19). The shifting sands of a fallen world under our feet constantly press us to "set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth" (Colossians 3:2). We therefore do well to expect uncertainty about tomorrow, as determined and allowed by our loving Heavenly Father whose constant concern for our benefit is the one constant in our lives. "I am the Lord; I change not" (Malachi 3:6). Looking to anyone or anything other than the Lord Jesus Christ for security and stability is a fool's game. Looking to Him is the saint's gaze, and the only hope of peace and permanence we will ever find. Thus, we do well to give thanks that all things in this world "come to pass" in order that we may rejoice in the One who comes to remain.


"Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)


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