Jesus Is In Total Control

"Today's Devotion" For July 28, 2005

Read: Matthew 26:1-5; John 11:45-57

JESUS IS IN TOTAL CONTROL

"'As you may know, the Passover is two days away--and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.'"(Mt. 26:2)

Goal setting is a vital part of any planning process. No business plan, for instance, can be effective if concrete goals are not expressed. Action steps are delineated which allow those business goals to be met. A college student determines a major field of study and sets a goal to get one degree or more in that field. Classes are chosen to meet the curricular requirements in order to attain that degree and thus reach that goal. A husband and wife set goals for their marriage, to stay together and work through difficulties, to have a certain amount of children, to purchase a home, to live in a certain place, to put their children through college, etc. They arrange their finances and take the time necessary to develop their relationship and love to accomplish their family's goals.

Yet no matter the goals and intentions, failure is often the end result. Unforeseen circumstances, such as an economic downturn, can affect whether a business succeeds or fails. Classes being filled, sections being closed, courses being cancelled, or lack of money or ability can put an end to the attainment of the intended degree(s). Illness and death can end the goals of a marriage and family, as well as unfaithfulness, bankruptcy, and other unforeseen circumstances, controllable or uncontrollable.

Thank God that such is not the case with our salvation. God's plan was never in jeopardy of failure. Jesus prepared His disciples for the ultimate and inevitable end of His ministry - His crucifixion. It was a sure and certain thing. He was in charge. Once He stated it was going to happen, Matthew notes that the chief priests and elders began to plot His death. Jesus is in control. What He tells us about our salvation, the forgiveness of our sins, His grace, mercy, and love, and the Father's promise to bring us home to heaven is for certain. Nothing will keep it from happening. Our Lord Jesus is in total control. And that's a marvelous thing and a great comfort.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am comforted knowing that Your Word is sure and certain and Your plans for me are absolute. Nothing can take me out of Your hand and away from Your love. Only I can reject You and I pray that Your Spirit will keep me faithful and away from that danger. Help me to rejoice in such a certainty, knowing that You are in total control, and in that rejoicing share Your love unceasingly with everyone I meet. Help me to serve You, precious Lord. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright @2005 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.