"Not Enough Books"
I've never done the math, and it would be impossible to precisely calculate an answer. However, I suspect that if we placed a time value on every event of the Lord Jesus Christ's earthly lifetime recorded in the Gospels, the percentage would be minuscule in comparison to all that happened (my guess is far, far less than 1%). We know what we need to know, but in real terms, we know very little. The Apostle John confirms this premise.
"And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen" (John 21:25).
Apply this to our Lord's present doings in the world. He is here - in us - and He traverses the paths of the earth in the shoes of His church - "I will dwell in them, and walk in them" (II Corinthians 6:16). How much do we actually know of what He is doing in and through the body of Christ? The answer is very little. Let us again apply the truth, this time to our own personal lives. How much do we know and understand of what He is doing in you and in me? Yet again, "very little" comprises the answer. God promises His presence and active involvement to His trusting children, working "all things after the counsel of His own will" (Ephesians 1:11). He does not, however, promise to fully explain Himself or His doings. We wouldn't understand anyway. "How unsearchable are His judgments, and His ways past finding out!" (Romans 11:33).
As we frequently suggest, this truth means that we must often trust God's heart when we cannot understand, or do not see, the doings of His hand. Perfect character unites with perfect intentions and ability to guide His working in our lives. Our inability to comprehend our Lord's doings actually confirms such perfection. Indeed, if our Heavenly Father only worked in ways we could understand, or that seem pleasant and reasonable, could His doings for us be perfect? They could not. We actually know so very little, especially regarding our needs. "We know not what we should pray for as we ought" (Romans 8:26). Thus, our Lord must do much for us of which we know nothing. Moreover, He must do much that perplexes us as He works according to a wisdom we cannot begin to fathom.
We trust His heart when we cannot see or understand His hand. All the books in the world could not contain the Lord's doings when He walked the planet by His own feet. All the books in a billion worlds could not contain His doings in born again believers as He walks the planet in our feet. This includes your feet and mine. The story can't be adequately recorded due to lack of space. But it can be perfectly fulfilled due to unlimited Divine love, wisdom, grace, faithfulness, power, and involvement.
"I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
(Jeremiah 29:11)
"As for God, His way is perfect."
(II Samuel 22:30)
Weekly Memory Verse
As for God, His way is perfect.
(II Samuel 22:31)
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