03/26/F – From Him, For Him, and Through Him

NT: “…We know that “an idol is nothing in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.” For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth — as there are many “gods” and many “lords” — yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from him, and we exist for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through him, and we exist through him.” (‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭8:4b-6‬ ‭CSB)

In the midst of a lesson on being loving and conscientious with Christian liberties, Paul made this strong statement of faith. His point was that though this statement is true, we need to be conscientious and loving in the way we express the liberties we have in Christ, and not allow our liberties to cause others to have a crisis of conscience. But nevertheless, the statement He made is undoubtedly true. Idols have no real existence in the cosmos. They may be physically real, but they have no actual existence beyond the physical matter they take up. Though there are many in the physical and spiritual world that claim the title of god or lord, there is only One God and One Lord. All good things come from the Father of Lights. Were it not for Him, nothing would exist – therefore we, as His people, exist for Him and His purposes. The Lord Jesus Christ is the Word of God, and it was through the Word of God that all things were created. As redeemed people of God, it is through the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ that we now have life. In light of Who God the Father and God the Son are – and who we are as we see ourselves in that light – the only reasonable response to that truth is to, in all things, worship God humbly, trust Him completely, and depend on Him fully.

Psalms: “The Lord looks down from heaven; he observes everyone. He gazes on all the inhabitants of the earth from his dwelling place. He forms the hearts of them all; he considers all their works. A king is not saved by a large army; a warrior will not be rescued by great strength. The horse is a false hope for safety; it provides no escape by its great power. But look, the Lord keeps his eye on those who fear him — those who depend on his faithful love to rescue them from death and to keep them alive in famine.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭33:13-19‬ ‭CSB)

God sees all, knows all, and has formed us all. There is nothing on earth that escapes His gaze. There is no gift, talent, strength, or resource that He did not first create and make available to us. While a large army may be impressive – what is that in comparison to the Lord? Though a warrior may be able to save his life in battle with his superior strength and training, can it ultimately save him from death – physical and spiritual? Though horses are swift and powerful, and provide a definite advantage on the battle field, can they help you escape the inevitable judgement seat of God? True and ultimate salvation only comes to those who trust not in their own works, riches, or strengths; but place their faith fully on the Lord and depend fully on Him. It is only through repentance from sin and faith in the life, death and resurrection of Christ that one may be eternally saved from sin and death and made righteous before God.

Prayer: There is only One God, and One Lord: God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, I say, “God, You are my God, and Jesus, You are my Lord.” I commit to present my body before You continuously as a living sacrifice of worship – and to live, breathe and have my being for You and through You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.