God reveals His will through Jesus. His plan for the world is understood through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. But, God's plan is not complete in Jesus. It is only set forth in Christ. Christ points to they mystery of God's will, but He does not complete it. God's plan, as seen in the next verse, is to draw all people to Himself. More on that tomorrow.
Of course, Christ is still active. But God puts some of the responsibility on us. What is our responsibility? I keep coming back to the very first verse: faithfulness. Our responsibility is to be faithful to the leadings of the Holy Spirit, the model set forth by Christ, and the promise of God's grace.
God, I want to have faith. Help my unfaithfulness.
by the will of God,
Jonathan
3 comments:
Faithfulness is also how we are made aware of and follow His will. "I appeal to you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." Romans 12:1-2
Faithfulness means "not conforming ourselves to the world". I echo your prayer for faith, brother.
I like what you say here, Phil. Faithfulness takes so many forms. Do you suppose the challenge is to be in dialogue with God about what faithfulness means in every moment?
That's a great way of putting it. The dialogue must be continual as we encounter new experiences or challenges. Even things that aren't new but recurring may require different action depending on the will of the Father. What may be the most difficult thing is when faithfulness looks or feels ridiculous and irrational. That also is often when I know that it is from the Lord though. For his thought are not our thoughts, and his ways are not our ways. (adapting Is. 55: 8-9)
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