Thursday, September 15, 2022

 

Thursday, September 15, 2022


Psalm 37:1-17

Habakkuk 2:18-3:7

Ephesians 3:1-13


Observance: John Oliver Feetham, bishop and bush brother (d. 1947)


Through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.


“Let all mortal flesh keep silent” is a deeply moving hymn we sing during Lent (or, if you have a really good worship team, the Good Friday vigil). Having read the portion for Habakkuk this morning, we see from where the hymn-writer took his inspiration. The true God is no fantasy we humans have invented in our own mind, or object we have crafted with our hands. The God we worship is mighty and wonderful; only the true God could have done what Jesus did at Calvary.


Isn't Paul a bit of a sweetheart, though. He is passing on the teaching he received directly from the mouth of the risen, ascended Lord Jesus by “revelation” (v. 3), and he can't help but interrupt himself and disrupt his train of thought just to go back to his previous point so that we can dwell in the wonder and glory of it all a little longer.


All of humanity, Jew and Gentile together, being offered the free gift of salvation and glorification through and with the Lord God, Jesus Christ: this is big news for the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Some of the Old Testament prophets had heard whispers about something like this (for example, Abraham receiving the promise of many descendants and many nations), but no-one was prepared for just how far God was willing to go. Fallen angels tremble even more; holy angels in the presence of God sing praises even louder.


Paul calls himself “the very least of all the saints”. If you who are reading this are beginning to love the Lord Jesus, you are a saint. Paul ranks himself below you. If Jesus came and picked Paul, not only to resurrect to life everlasting, but to be his friend, brother, and co-heir of the inheritance, how much more is this assured to you! What troubles could life possible throw at us that could make us forget where we are going. “Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for Him.” Angels and demons all have been stunned into silence because of what God has done for us. We patiently wait for God to speak those long-awaited words; “well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matt 25:23)



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