Pauls Footsteps #348

We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Rom. 8:28. NASB. 

Footsteps #348. This can be a hard text to swallow when you are in the midst of some calamity. I certainly found it so about 20 years ago when my life was in upheaval. But now I know.  The text begins with, “WE KNOW”! With Romans 8:28 we have come not only to one of the best-known texts in the Bible but to a section that runs to the end of a chapter that, in the words of one authority, “soars to sublime heights unequaled in the New Testament”. The Christian doctrine of assurance raised in Romans 8:12-17 resurfaces in vs28-39. 

That comforting passage starts out with five firm convictions. First, “we know” that God is active in our lives. He is not indifferent to what happens to us but is ceaselessly and energetically, and purposefully active in the life of every believer. That, says Paul, “we know”. 

Second, we know that God is not merely at work for His people, but that He seeks their good. Of course, the highest good – the one that the Book of Romans is primarily concerned with – is their final salvation. To Paul that is the ultimate good to which all else is subsidiary. 

Third, we know that God is not merely guiding some things for good, but rather “all things”. That does not mean that all things work out for the comfort of believers, or their worldly interests, but that God directs all things with an eye on their eternal salvation. Thus even the sufferings of v17 and the groaning of verse 23 have a positive impact as they force believers to realise their own weaknesses and turn to their only source of help. 

Fourth, we know that the beneficiaries of God’s working for good in all things are for those who love Him. Of course, that love is not free-standing. John and Paul point out in various places that we love Him because He first loved us. Our love is a responsive love; His is initiatory. 

Fifth, we know that God has “called us according to his purpose” – which is our salvation. 

We can know these five things about God. While we don’t always understand why some particular thing is happening to us, we can still trust God that He knows what He is doing and will actively use events in our lives to His glory and our salvation. One of the best illustrations of that providence in individual lives is that of Joseph, who could tell his brothers: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Gen. 50:20, NIV). God still “causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him”. In the midst of our trials and calamities we just need to keep on loving Him, even if we are crying out, “Why Lord?” 

No Comments

Post A Comment