"Who Came?"

    "What's this world coming to?" 

Our dear friend and excellent Bible teacher Larry Voas once asked his pastor father the question we all rhetorically express when confronted with an ever downward-trending spiritual and moral environment.    Larry's dad, who recently went to be with our Lord, offered a sublimely wonderful answer that once you hear (or in this case, read), you will never forget. 

"That's not the question to ask, Larry," responded Pastor Voas.  "No, the question is rather, "Who came to this world?"   

"Christ came" (Romans 9:5).   

As long as the hills and lanes of Judea remain the venue whereupon the Prince of Peace walked in redeeming and revealing love, and as long as His Spirit comes yet again to the hearts of those who believe, the greater and transcendent truth will be not "What?", but "Who?"  Indeed, let us apply this to our personal experience.  When confronted with challenges, whether great or small, the details, circumstances, conditions and effects all matter.  Yes, the "What?" matters.  That which matters far more, however, is the "Who?" 

Who knew this circumstance would come into my life before ever I was born?

Who promises to be everything I will ever need in every condition and situation, including this particular "What"?

Who overcame the worst thing that ever happened, the cross, and transformed it into the best thing that ever happened, namely, prelude to the resurrection and the salvation of all who believe?  Who promises to repeat this life from death spiritual dynamic in my life?

Who is with me always, and promises never to leave nor forsake me? Who is wise enough, powerful enough, involved enough, and loving enough to fit all things, including this particular "What?" into His good and loving purposes?   

So long as the "Who?" of the Lord Jesus Christ graces our lives with His purpose, power, and presence, every "What?" pales in significance and power.  "God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye, having sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" (II Corinthians 9:8).  This we must believe because it is true.  Our experience of the power of such truth hinges upon our choice to affirm that regardless of the nature, extent, or effect of the "What?", the presence and working of the "Who?" transcends.  What is this world coming to?  What is my life coming to?  Let us answer these questions with the greater inquiries -  Who came to this world?  And who came into my life when I trusted Him?  Thanks, Pastor Voas, thanks Larry, and thank You, Lord!

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."(John 10:10)