Our dear friend Larry once asked his father, a pastor, the question many of us have likely expressed when confronted with what seems to be a continually downward-trending spiritual and moral environment. Larry's dad offered a sublimely wonderful and unforgettable answer.
"The question is not what is the world coming to, Larry," responded Pastor Voas. "No, the question is "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 love, and as long as His Spirit comes to the hearts of those who believe, the best question will be "Who came?" Indeed, let us apply this to our personal experience. When confronted with the challenges of life, who came?
Who knew the circumstances that would come into our lives before we were born? "His understanding is infinite" (Psalm 147:5)
Who promises to be everything we will ever need in every condition and situation? "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
Who made the the cross of Christ, seemingly the worst thing that ever happened, into the best thing that ever happened, namely, the very basis of our salvation? Who rose from the dead because He died on a cross? "And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name" (Philippiansd 2:8-9).
Who is with us always, and promises never to leave nor forsake us? Who is wise enough, powerful enough, involved enough, and loving enough to fit all things into His good and loving purposes? "I am with you always… And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Matthew 28:20; Romans 8:28).
So long as the "Who came?" of the Lord Jesus graces our lives with His purpose, power, and presence, the conditions and circumstances of the world must not be our focus. What is this world coming to? What are our lives coming to? Let us answer these questions with the greater inquiry - Who came to this world? And who came into our hearts and lives when we 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)
"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).
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