Dear Ones:
When we look out upon the vastness of space, and at the littleness of our world in this “endless” universe, we are struck by the insignificance of our world, even of our existence. As a result of such a vision, the thought of “insignificance” can move us to adopt the increasing “logic” of our times, that of meaningless existence, with no moorings to the Absolute. The logical outcome to such a perspective is hopelessness, or by seeking some “lesser” form of meaning, we occupy ourselves with the things of this earth and time, to assuage our thirst to understand a meaningful existence. The most significant event in the “history,” both of the earth and the universe, was the advent (coming) of Christ, when God came to this earth, to walk among us. His painful, powerful, resounding words from the Cross: “…IT IS FINISHED,” set the stage, and laid the foundation for man to truly understand the “why” of his existence. By those words, man not only began to grasp his meaning of life, but the door was opened for all men to KNOW, and be assured of God’s purpose and provision. Man had been given access into the very presence of his Creator, and Redeemer. As a result, the time had come for the glory of God to be revealed in the hearts and souls of men. What should this knowledge do for us?
If our reason for being on this earth is not by chance, and if indeed, there is an Eternal purpose for our lives, then is it not logical that the eternal Goodness of God WILLS that we know this purpose, and means, for attaining it? God declared such a divine intent through Jeremiah to Israel when He said: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jer. 29:11) The words, “expected end” mean “destiny.” It is the goodness of God the Creator who has determined to give to man Life, peace, with an eternal purpose. It is at this point that the root of faith must take hold, the anchor must be cast into the deep, and the stand must be taken. We are not to attribute to God the evilness of men. We are not to be dissuaded from the best and the highest by using the baseness of the human nature as our guide to the future. Christ has come to set us free from all that is of the downward trend of sin and death, to give us life, purpose, and His peace. How then are we to respond to such an overture of the Divine?
Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians a most revealing, and informative statement: “…that I may know Him (Christ), and the power of His resurrection…not as though I had already attained…BUT I FOLLOW AFTER, if that I may APPREHEND that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:10-12) How do we respond to the “overture of the Divine?” By pursuing Christ…to know Him. Can we know Him?
The Lord, by Jeremiah, said: “Then shall you call upon Me, and you will go and pray unto Me, and I will listen to you. And you shall seek me, and you SHALL find me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart. AND I WILL BE FOUND OF YOU.” (Jer. 29:13-14) There is an old hymn which says, “Can I doubt His tender mercy, who through life has been my guide?” The question is very simple, “Can I doubt Him, or can I trust Him?” If ever there was an answer to this question, it is again heard by the words from Jesus’ lips: “It is finished.”
Dear Father, open our eyes to see Divine Love’s purpose, and way, for that purpose to be realized. Give us in THIS day, in this hour, to know that we have been created to know You, walk with you, and be led by You. Faithful God, lead us to Yourself. Then we will KNOW You, and the purpose for which we have been created. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad