I can't always understand why He has done or is doing something, or has allowed or is allowing something, although I do see some general principles at work most of the time.
Because the Bible teaches that the end-result of this life in the space-time realm is the salvation and reconciliation of all creation, then understanding "the bad" in life is much easier.
For example, God uses "bad" people and situations as contrasts for Him, His people and His plans.
In the simplest terms, "the bad" is used to guarantee "the good" will glow.
And, of course, with the correct end-result in mind, "the bad" is clearly only temporary anyway, because God is the Saviour of all humanity [1 Timothy 4 : 10] and God eventually becomes "all in all". [1 Corinthians 15 : 28]
The Message version puts it this way:
When everything and everyone is finally under God’s rule, the Son will step down, taking his place with everyone else, showing that God’s rule is absolutely comprehensive—a perfect ending!So what about our current COVID-19 situation?
Firstly, let's be assured that Jesus, our Saviour and Lord, is greater than any troubles we face, including this one.
We can trust him for our well-being no matter what form that takes.
Jesus said:
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.Whether he walks through this situation with us or allows us to be taken from it doesn't really matter.
In this world you will have trouble.
But take heart! I have overcome the world."
[John 16 : 33 NIV]
Whatever He decides for me is OK with me. Like Paul:
As long as I'm alive in this body, there is good work for me to do.So let's enjoy the peace Jesus gives and be content with whatever outcome He chooses for us.
If I had to choose right now, I hardly know which I'd choose.
Hard choice!
The desire to break camp here and be with Christ is powerful.
Some days I can think of nothing better.
But most days, because of what you are going through, I am sure that it's better for me to stick it out here.
[Philippians 1 : 22 - 24 The Message]
Secondly, there's much that can be written about the need for contrast when God is achieving His loving purposes for His creation.
But I'll just mention a few examples to illustrate the point.
God used Satan to harass His servant Job in order to perfect and strengthen his faith.
God also used the evil intentions of Joseph's brothers to put Joseph in a position to save the fledgling Israeli nation from starvation and possible extinction.
God hardened Pharaoh's heart so that the extraordinary miracle of the Exodus from Egypt could take place for the people of Israel.
Paul reflects on it in his discussion of 'God's Sovereign Choice' in his letter to the early church in Rome.
For Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.I suggest that God might also be using the coming Tribulation in much the same way, and for Israel particularly to become so desperate for its survival, let alone its peace, that it will nationally call out for its Messiah.
[Romans 9 : 17 NIV]
Speaking to the Scribes and Pharisees about their rejection of him as their Messiah and the subsequent postponement of their expected kingdom, Jesus said:
"For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord'."And when that happens some time in our future, it will instigate the Magnificent Messianic Millennial Kingdom.
[Matthew 23 : 39 NIV]
Who knows what part this virus and its consequences might play in achieving God's eventual plan?
We don't - but we can postulate about how it might, especially with all this global talk about vaccines, nano-chip technology and compulsory immunisation.
But we can be sure of one thing - God knows, and is in total control of it all.
So, as those who are in Christ, we can be content in our virus world and where it might be taking us.
People may plan all kinds of things,Blessings, Barry
but the Lord's will is going to be done.
[Proverbs 19 : 21 GNB]
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