Nothing Surprises God

(Written for and during the COVID-19 Crisis) Who would have thought that the week before Easter, the world would be on lock down? It's strange to think how quickly things have and can change. The way we do business, shop, and act toward one another has changed. The way we "get together" with family, friends, and business partners has changed. So much change in swift rapidity can be overwhelming. Yet, I take comfort, because in spite of it all, my God is the same yesterday as He is today, as He will be forever. A month can change many things. In the name of safety, many who were crying out about liberty are now asking where the government is in enforcing stay-at-home orders. In the name of safety, many who were about the right to choose don't want to give anyone a choice but to comply or die. You can tell a lot about a person in how they react when under duress.

Jesus, knowing what was awaiting him went to Jerusalem anyway. Jesus, knowing they were looking to kill him, turned tables over and chased out money will changers in the Temple. Jesus, knowing Judas would betray Him, washed his feet anyway. Jesus, knowing that going with the guards would mean his death, went with them even after his declaration of "I am" knocked them to their faces.

Jesus, as the perfect and spotless lamb, confirmed by John the Baptist, Caiaphas the priest, and Pilate as being the lamb of God, necessary to die for the sins of the nation, and being without blemish, walked that road alone to the cross.

Easter should remind us that under stress, we can trust in God! His plans are perfect, and there is nothing that causes Him panic. He sees the work to completion, no matter what lies ahead. My prayer for you this Easter is that you don't look to the ever changing world, but the unchanging Word of God, who, though He gave His life as a ransom for many, sits alive at the right hand of the Father, and shall hold us in His victorious right hand forever. Romans 8:18-39 English Standard Version

Future Glory 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because[a] the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[b] for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. God's Everlasting Love 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be[c] against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.[d] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Read full chapter Footnotes

1. Romans 8:27 Or that

2. Romans 8:28 Some manuscripts God works all things together for good, or God works in all things for the good

3. Romans 8:31 Or who is

4. Romans 8:34 Or Is it Christ Jesus who died… for us?