Todays reading:
Psalm 18:1-3, 20-32
Deut. 32:18-20, 28-39
Romans 11:33-36
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and decisions and how unfathomable and untraceable are His ways! 34 For who has known the mind of the lord or who has been His councilor? (Isa.40:13-14). Or who has first given to Him that it would be paid back? For from Him [all things originate] and through Him [all things live and exist] and to Him are all things [directed]. To Him be glory and honour forever! Amen.”
(Romans 11:33-36 AMPV)
Before today’s passage, Paul had made it known that in the history of Israel, God has never completely rejected or abandoned her without leaving a remnant to continue His plan. Which indicates that the privileges and invitation of God to Israel will never be withdrawn (v. 29). Paul affirmed that all Israel would be saved, but this does not include every Jewish individual. But a great number of Jews would be converted to Christianity on the long run (v.26). All Israel, may include the fullness of the Gentiles (v.25). A school of thought believe that, all Israel indicate that ultimately, all people will experience salvation; yet others believe that all Israel is a spiritual designation for the universal Church. Understanding of the eschatological will better interpreted this. However, Paul ended the passage with a prayer of praise celebrating the wisdom and grace of God towards his creation and mankind (vv. 33-36).
However, today’s reading ends with a prayer of praise to God and the His wisdom of His plan. Even where His method, timing and means are beyond our understanding, God does not act arbitrarily. He governs the universe and our lives in perfect wisdom, justice and love (v. 33). God is smarter than we are (v. 34). His plan and way are better, no matter what you and I may think. Who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been His counsellor? Or who has first given to him that it would be paid back to him? The implication of these questions is that no one has fully understand His mind; no one has ever counselled Him; and that He owes no explanation of what He is doing to anyone. God alone has the perogative of power and complete wisdom. (Isa. 40:13; Jer. 23:18).
Looking back now at my many frustrating experiences, especially in ministry, I do things with excitement, anxiety, zeal for God, genuineness to do my best and succeed. I expend resources, do research and so on, but there is virtually always no result. Yes, it is good to research, learn and prepare but then not on our own terms and timing. In all that we do, we should learn to wholly, confidently and completely trust and rely on God (Prov. 3:5-6) The best thing when giving a task, wait patiently on the Lord in prayers for His master plan, timing and His resources. In reality, God knows I am not ready for the task, but I anxiously think I am ready. I ask unending in prayers but there would be no answer. I now realise that whatever task God is putting in our hands, we should wait for his timing and completely lean on His guidance. During the waiting period, we should pray for the capacity, strength, knowledge and understand, and wisdom with which to carry out the task. God wants us to trust in him, have faith in him and obediently wait for his leading. We should understand that ministry is a slaughter slab, where anything and everything could happen. God will supply the smallest detail to carry out the task. He has his master plan of what he want us to do and how He wants it done.
In conclusion, creation and all in it are absolutely dependent on God (Ps. 24). He is the source of all things (Jn. 1:1-3). He is the power that generate and rules the universe we live in. Everything comes from Him and exists by His power. We are created:
For His pleasure (Rev. 4:11)
For His praise (Isa. 43:21)
To display His glory (Isa. 43:7)
To do His will, and He supplies all the resources needed (Jn. 7:17; 1Jn. 2:17; Matt. 7:21)
To worship God, which is our primary purpose here on earth.
So, the all-powerful, all-knowing, ever-presence God deserves our praise always (v. 36).
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
Prayer:
The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and all they that dwell therein.
The Lord reigneth; let the people tremble; he sits between the cherubim; let the earth be moved.
O sing unto the Lord a new song; for He hath done marvellous things; His right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory.
O Lord, walk back into every second of my life, deliver me where I need deliverance, heal me where I need healing and transform my life to the glory of Your holy name,
I release myself from the grip of any problem transferred into my life from the womb, in Jesus name.
Every gate opened to the enemy by my foundation, be closed and sealed by the blood of Jesus, Amen.
O Lord, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, fill me with Your power and ability to serve You, in Jesus name.
Lord, by Your mighty power and mercy, teach our children, youths and young adults to love you, and lead them in Your path of righteousness, in Jesus name.
Father, Your Church and our leaders, absolute wisdom and love to move the Church in Your plan, in Jesus name.
Lord, grant our leaders the courage and wisdom to align to Your plan for our nation; let there be peace and harmony to move the nation forward, in Jesus name. Amen.
Comments