Monday, August 14, 2017
Romans 8:28-30 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first born among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
IN CONTEXT: WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD (1)
One day a Christian walked and talked among her family and fellow Christians with a happy countenance, always willing to help in so many ways; the next day this same dear soul, having suffered a stroke, began a struggle to regain the simplest abilities to walk and talk.
The same week another long-time faithful member of the congregation-- in fact, one of its founding fathers-- took a turn for the worse. It appeared unlikely that, though hospitalized, he would ever again be able to walk and talk as before.
When such events occur, it's natural to ask the eternal "Why?" "Why would, or how could, God allow such a thing to happen?"
As Christians we know nothing happens "by accident." Our loving Lord and Savior Jesus Christ teaches that not a sparrow falls to the ground, or a hair from our head, without it being the will of our good and gracious heavenly Father (Mt. 10:29f). We also know that the Bible says "all things work together for good to them that love God...."
Yet we may wonder where is the comfort in that familiar statement? What is its basis? Where is the apostle Paul coming from when he makes it?
This week we will examine the setting for this familiar statement from what has been called the most comforting chapter in the Bible (Romans 8). In the process we will find a super-human source of strength to endure in the face of life’s most difficult and trying circumstances.
Why should cross and trial grieve me?
Christ is near With His cheer;
Never will He leave me.
Who can rob me of the heaven
That God's Son For me won
When His life was given?
From God's joy can nothing sever,
For I am His dear lamb,
He, my Shepherd ever.
I am His because He gave me
His own blood For my good,
By His death to save me.
(Lutheran Service Book, 756:1, 4)
