PSALMS 111:7-10: “The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” NKJV
OBSERVATION: What is God doing? This is a question many are asking in the midst of this 2020 corona-virus pandemic. If all things have been placed under Jesus’ feet, then why does this pandemic seem so out of control?
It is easy for one to wrestle with these questions. Yet, to do so is to misunderstand the Scriptures and the revelation that God has given us regarding His purposes and His plan for this world. There is an inward struggle in the heart of man and even in the heart of a Christ follower. It can be seen in the question the disciples asked right before Jesus ascended into heaven.
- “Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6 NKJV
The Jews of Jesus’ day missed the true Messiah because they were looking for a physical kingdom. The disciples, before the baptism of the Holy Spirit, were still focused on a physical kingdom. And, like them, we too can get confused and misled if we are looking for a physical kingdom. Jesus is seated on the right hand of God the Father. Yet, His immediate mission is not to bring perfection to this world. It is to bring redemption to those called to be saints!
- “The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.” Psalms 111: 7-9
Pilate did not understand Jesus’ words when He said – “My kingdom is not of this world.” The Jews cried Hosanna when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. They were hoping that He would overthrow Rome and set up a physical kingdom. Yet, just a few days later many of these same people cried – “Crucify Him,” as they perceived that this was not His intent.
People are looking for Jesus to ride in on a white horse and redeem this broken world. Yet, this is not what Jesus is doing. Jesus is preparing His bride, the church, to be received and united with Him. Jesus is saving souls and redeeming hearts. He is building His heavenly kingdom. This was His answer to the disciples when they were focused on an earthly kingdom.
- “And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:7-8 NKJV
Jesus’ focus is on the redemption of mankind from sin. He is not going to ride in to redeem this broken world. As one reads the book of Revelation it becomes clear. The final end of this broken world is destruction. Jesus will bring a temporary peace during the Millennial Kingdom, but there will be a final rebellion, and the present earth as we know it will pass away (read Revelation 19-20).
Even through all of this, Jesus’ focus is on the redemption of mankind and His restoration of His covenant with Israel. Finally, His plan of redemption will be completed. Sin, Satan, and death will be defeated. This present earth will pass away. And, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit will usher in the new heavens and the new earth! It will be a glorious day!!
- “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” Revelation 21:1-5 NKJV
We too often forget this. Our focus becomes temporal instead of eternal. We forget,
- “The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure. They stand fast forever and ever, And are done in truth and uprightness.” Psalms 11:7-8
Jesus did not come to save governments, to save countries, or to save the stock market. Jesus came to save souls. Our calling is to proclaim the Gospel, so men and women may come into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, and can participate in His coming eternal Kingdom. This is the course that history is moving towards. It should not take us by surprise. It should bring us to a renewed focus of our mission and call.
- “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.” Psalm 111:10
Lord, help me to walk in your fear, reverence, and awe in these challenging days. Give me understanding in the truth of Your word. As we see all these things taking place, give us grace to lift our heads and look up – for your redemption is drawing near.
Even so, Come Lord Jesus!
In Jesus Name!
