Plans Of Old (Isaiah 25:1)

 


Monday, 22 December, 2025


Psalm 118:1-18

Isaiah 24:21-25:9

Revelation 21:22-22:5


Observance: Thomas, apostle and martyr [transferred from December 21]


Plans Of Old (Isaiah 25:1)


O Lord, you are my God;
    I will exalt you; I will praise your name,
for you have done wonderful things,
    plans formed of old, faithful and sure.


This idea of God having plans for us – plans he made long ago, at that – has been deeply comforting for Christians across the generations. The best sermon I ever heard about it was from the reference in Jeremiah (you probably know the bit), when the preacher got up to tell everyone that he was going to ruin the passage for everyone! But then, he said, he would make it even better than it was before.


I think it is a helpful reminder, and encouragement, and source of wondering and reflection. Long ago, God made plans for every single human being, every spin of the planets, every drift of every speck of dust. What wonderful comfort, that our lives are going according to God’s plan! But – it’s not about us (or, should I say, not just about us). The plans God made for creation are plans that are primarily for the second Person of the Trinity – the Lord Jesus Christ. Everything is going according to the plan God made to redeem a special people for himself, to graft them into the Lord Jesus, to bring them to eternal bliss and joy.


In the end, I think it does make this idea even better than before. God’s plan for our lives is more than just making sure we have a car park when we are running late for an appointment, or making sure we run late for an appointment so that we don’t get into the car accident we would have otherwise. God’s plan, formed of old, is for the very salvation of our souls, all for the glory of Christ. And these plans are faithful and sure.


Sovereign Lord, in your great providence you have numbered the hairs of our head, and care for us more than many sparrows: give us hearts to wonder and rejoice at your great plan, not only to keep us close to you in this life, but to draw us into everlasting life in Christ.

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