All Things: Right?
Oh, the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him, that it would be paid back to him? 36 For from Him, and through Him, and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.
Romans 11:33-36 (NASB)
Our Father made everything good and right. But what about everything bad and wrong?*
Ages ago, the kings of Israel, who ruled His nation, did many wrong things. Centuries ago, the king of playwrights, who reigns to this day, bemoaned his troubles.**
Currently, the kings of hostile nations, who rule with an iron grip, hate God's people. Bold warlords commit unspeakable crimes.
Much closer to home, the kings of business, who “sell” us “things”, worship profit as god.
Kings of news spin the truth out of focus.
Kings of entertainment create idols.
Kings of sports distract us from real battles.
Kings of culture tempt us to live like them.
Kings of government push their agendas.
The U.S. is a breeding ground for kings. But we prefer the word, CELEBRITY… and, their power is unmistakable: the power to lead by word and lifestyle, Including payoffs for bad behavior.
People of conscience can get discouraged. What should we do about bad leadership? Should we close our eyes and hide in churches? That’s NOT what God says. Should we draw swords with holy-roller words? That’s NOT what Christ did. Isn't America sliding downhill?
Yes! Earth is headed toward conclusion, but… 'Of Him and through Him and to Him are ALL THINGS.'
Christians, please note: Not some things, but ALL THINGS. If we buck the test, we buck the Tester...
If Christians fume against government rules,
If fiery darts fly from UNholy mouths,
If we try to change the world God allows,
Then are we following the King we serve?
Because the Lamb of God did none of that.
In things both right and wrong, God was lifted. How?
'Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things' (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Because 'Love never [ever] fails' (1 Corinthians 13:8) to win, even against all the things clearly wrong.
Love covers sin supernaturally: both our own sins AND the sins of others.
All Things: Right? (Part 2)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
* Short article: Did God Create Evil? http://www.gotquestions.org/did-God-create-evil.html
* Another short article: Didn't God Create Evil, Too? http://www.comereason.org/did-god-create-evil.asp
** William Shakespeare, Sonnet 29: http://www.shakespeare-online.com/sonnets/29detail.html