More "All Things"

Psalm 8:5-6 tell us that God "put all things under his [man's] feet. For in subjecting all things to him, He left nothing that is not subject to him." The writer of Hebrews, quoting this, goes on to add: "But now we do not yet see all things subjected to him. But we do see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, namely Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor" (Heb.2:6-9).

We do see Jesus. God has worked out a plan so that all things become our inheritance through Him. Good or bad, large or small, all things are turned to the working out of God's good purpose in our lives: to conform us to the image of His Son. What image is that? At least in part it includes: "He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature" (Heb.1:2) What we know of the sun is what it radiates to us over millions of miles-light and warmth. What we know of God is what He radiates to us-His Son. What the world knows of the Son will largely be what it sees in us as we are conformed to His image.

How do we do this? How do we become like Christ? It is found throughout the Bible, but is summed up in the words: "We see Jesus." Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Seek 1st the kingdom of God and His righteousness. That I may know Him.... That is our part. To know Him.

Can we make ourselves holy? We're told "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." But is that something we do? By grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works lest anyone should boast. He who began a good work in you will complete it. It is God who is at work both to will and to work for His good pleasure. As you have received Christ Jesus (by grace through faith, not of works), so walk in Him. By His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, that just as it is written, "Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord." It is His pleasure to effect our redemption through Jesus Christ. It is His good pleasure to work out in us His will. What He will He performs. What He commands, He does.

Our part is faith. This is humbling. There is nothing we can do. When He says, "Humble yourself," He is not talking about just being a humble person. He is saying: "Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God . . . casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." How do you humble yourself? You cast all your anxiety upon Him and rest in the fact that He cares for you. There is nothing for you to do in your own strength and ability.

So, in your heart (going back to the principle of Sabbath Rest, which involves combining His word with faith in your heart), mix your faith with this word - "All things" - and enter into a new level of rest. When trials come, if you know He has given even "this" thing into your hands as your inheritance, you will trust Him. You will be able to "consider it all joy." You will exult in your tribulations as much as you do in hope of the glory of God. You will realize that God is using even "this" for the purpose of molding you into the image of His Son.