“Where is God when you lose your job?”—Steve
This question has several underlying assumptions (and/or concerns): that God exists, that God knows and cares, and that God is (or should be) somehow involved in the affairs of our life.
The Bible doesn’t argue the existence of God—it reveals a God who is personal, aware (Ps. 139:1-16; Jer. 23:24), caring and involved in the life of His people (Ps. 86:14-17; 136; Isa. 54:8, 10).
So, where is God in that situation? He is right there—He has not abandoned you (Josh. 1:5; Heb. 13:5-6). For whatever reason this happened, God was neither caught by surprise nor unprepared.
Losing your job may be the consequence of your choices or due to incompetence (yours or your employer’s) or because of “the economy”. It may be the result of someone’s desire to hurt you or exact revenge upon you. The Bible teaches that, regardless of the reason for your loss and pain, God is working in the situation to accomplish His good purposes (Rom. 8:28-29).
He may have better things in store for you. In the process of discovering His plans, you will also discover God in a more profound way (Jer. 29:11-13).
He may want you to deepen in your faith. In the midst of chaos, confusion and fear, God can show those who love and trust Him that He can protect and provide (II Chr. 20:14-17; Prov. 3:5-6; I Pet. 5:7).
He may want to discipline you. Sometimes God uses difficulties in your life to bring you toward holiness and a clearer sense of what is right and good (Heb. 12:4-11).
Whatever the case, remember that nothing is impossible with God (Matt. 19:26; Luke 1:37) and that His love for you (His desire for your best) never ceases (Rom. 8:35-39).
Showing posts with label righteousness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label righteousness. Show all posts
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Why was Jesus baptized?
“Why did Jesus get baptized? Some people point to His baptism as proof that baptism is required for salvation.”—Daniel
Matthew records Jesus’ words at His baptism: “ . . . it is proper for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15). Though the text teaches nothing about “baptism as a requirement for salvation”, it does offer several reasons for this moment.
The word for “righteousness” connotes the character of God—His judgments, truthfulness or holiness—and points to what is “right” or “just” in accordance to God’s purposes. Thus, “righteousness” is whatever has been appointed by God to be acknowledged and obeyed by man (see Matt. 5:6, 20). In His response to John, Jesus was indicating that this was just what God wanted them to do.
This event confirmed John’s prophetic ministry and his role as the forerunner of the Messiah. Jesus understood that John fulfilled the anticipated arrival of the last great prophet preceding the coming of the Lord (Mal. 4:5-6; Matt. 11:1-15). Thus, Jesus and John are linked together, an important message to the Jewish audience.
Jesus’ baptism is the inaugural act of His public ministry. God clearly declared His pleasure with Jesus who openly demonstrated commitment to the mission before Him (Matt. 3:16-17). This trinitarian picture of God’s speaking to the world of His Son, as the Spirit descended, set the stage for all that was to come.
Finally, Jesus identified Himself with those people who responded to John’s call. Jesus was not baptized because He needed to repent or to be saved—He was fully without sin. However, Jesus by His submission to this symbolic portrayal of cleansing and repentance took His place alongside sinners whom He had come to save (Heb. 4:15; 7:26; I Pet. 2:21-22; I Jn. 3:5; see Isa. 53; Lk. 19:10).
Matthew records Jesus’ words at His baptism: “ . . . it is proper for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Matt. 3:15). Though the text teaches nothing about “baptism as a requirement for salvation”, it does offer several reasons for this moment.
The word for “righteousness” connotes the character of God—His judgments, truthfulness or holiness—and points to what is “right” or “just” in accordance to God’s purposes. Thus, “righteousness” is whatever has been appointed by God to be acknowledged and obeyed by man (see Matt. 5:6, 20). In His response to John, Jesus was indicating that this was just what God wanted them to do.
This event confirmed John’s prophetic ministry and his role as the forerunner of the Messiah. Jesus understood that John fulfilled the anticipated arrival of the last great prophet preceding the coming of the Lord (Mal. 4:5-6; Matt. 11:1-15). Thus, Jesus and John are linked together, an important message to the Jewish audience.
Jesus’ baptism is the inaugural act of His public ministry. God clearly declared His pleasure with Jesus who openly demonstrated commitment to the mission before Him (Matt. 3:16-17). This trinitarian picture of God’s speaking to the world of His Son, as the Spirit descended, set the stage for all that was to come.
Finally, Jesus identified Himself with those people who responded to John’s call. Jesus was not baptized because He needed to repent or to be saved—He was fully without sin. However, Jesus by His submission to this symbolic portrayal of cleansing and repentance took His place alongside sinners whom He had come to save (Heb. 4:15; 7:26; I Pet. 2:21-22; I Jn. 3:5; see Isa. 53; Lk. 19:10).
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