“Remember the former things of old – for I am God, and there is none else – I am God and there is none like me; (10) declaring the end from the beginning – and from ancient times – the things not done. Saying, My counsel shall stand – and I will do all my pleasure (11)…yea, I have spoken it – I will also bring it to pass – I have purposed it – I will also do it!” [Is.46:9-11]
“Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us – but unto thy Name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake! (2)Wherefore should the heathen say: Where is now their God? (3) But, our God is in the heavens – He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.” [Ps.115:1-3]
Isn’t it wonderful to realize that our sovereign God has all our lives and times in His sovereign, almighty hand? In addition, isn’t it especially grand to understand that all the glory for all that’s needed for our eternal salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ has been completely and totally accomplished? Indeed, God is pleased because His eternal Son — our sovereign Savior and vicarious substitute has done it! That is what these texts of scripture are declaring unto us.
From the Isaiah passage – Holy God, Himself, heralds out to us that from eternity – in eternity — and for eternity, He has decreed and purposed everything that’s necessary where our eternal salvation is concerned. He tells us that His counsel – His plan — shall stand – or, (lit.) shall be accomplished. He does all according to His will and good pleasure! Nothing shall frustrate or hinder His plan. Why(?) – even because He, Himself, shall bring it all to pass. He, Himself, shall be the one that carries it out!
In fact, this is exactly what Ps.115:1-3 substantiates. All those, in this fallen-in-sin world that do not have ears to hear – nor eyes to see and who scoffingly declare: “Where is now their God?!” – will all too soon discover that our God — who rules from the heavens all things after the counsel of His own will – has already done it! He has “saved us and called us with a holy calling – not according to our works – but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world [or, lit., before time] began.” [2Ti.1:9]
These are the pure truths of the gospel of the glory, only, of our Lord Jesus Christ! And, every new year – or, even every new day – of our journey through the maze of this fallen-in-sin world we should prayerfully remind ourselves of these wonderful things. This is a part of what the Word says from Phil.4:8 from where it exhorts us, saying: “…whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report – if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise – think on these things.”
May the Holy Spirit lead us all through every new day of the new year being ever mindful of who He is as being our great God and Savior. Who, Himself, is ever faithful to us – His true children – ever guiding and providing – protecting and preserving – for His Name’s sake and for His glory!
May we fit the description of Col.3:1-4 which says: “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. (2) Set your affection [or, lit., your mind] on things above, not on things on the earth. (3)For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. (4)When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory!” Let us praise His wonderful eternal Name for all His wonderful eternal works. May the Lord bless you and keep you throughout this whole year.
-For Christ’s Glory Only!
John Carpenter
