May 6
“We know that all things work together for good to those who love God . . . What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? . . . It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us,” Romans 8:28, 31-32.
In the text above, the opening words of the apostle Paul are very difficult for us to say at times. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.” I have often used these words while meeting with family members after a loved one died. They shake their heads and ask, “What good can come out of this? What do we do now? How can we carry on for the future?”
Indeed, it is difficult to answer all of their questions satisfactorily at the time. Especially if the departed was of a young age and the death was somewhat untimely, as we would say, or if it was as the result of some tragedy or accident, or worse than all that, if the death was the result of a self-inflicted wound, their questions are difficult to answer at the time: Why? Why now? Why in such a way?
The words of the apostle, “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God,” require a Christian faith. The words are spoken, “to those who love God.” “What shall we say to these things?” Again, this is not always easily answered.
However, the next words offer some hope. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” While it might appear for the moment that God is not for us, indeed, He is for us! That hope is based upon what follows: God did not spare His own Son. He delivered Him up to suffer and die to redeem us. God’s Son suffered death by crucifixion and shed His holy, precious blood to wash away our sins. He paid the price to take away God’s wrath and to gain for us a place in the halls of heaven.
If God, in His great love, gave up His Son to save us, He certainly will give us the strength and the comfort to bear whatever burden is resting upon us. He will freely give us what we need to carry on.
The apostle continues, “It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” This one verse comes close to a summary of our Christian faith. “Christ died!” That’s true. He died to redeem us from sin, death, and the power of the devil. But we do not have a dead Savior – He is risen again! He came forth triumphantly from the grave, and He promises, “Because I live, you shall live also,” John 14:19. He ascended into heaven, and He is “at the right hand of God.” He is in the position of power. He rules and He controls all things for the good of His believers. But that is not the end. “He also makes intercession for us.” How comforting it is to know that Jesus is pleading and praying for us before the heavenly Father’s throne!
Whatever the circumstances in your life might be, trust Him, believe in Him! He is God! Place the words of the poet upon your heart and lips, and pray:
“What God ordains is always good;
His will abideth holy.
As He directs my life for me,
I follow, meek and lowly.
My God indeed in every need
Doth well know how to shield me;
To Him, then, I will yield me.
What God ordains is always good;
He is my Friend and Father.
He suffers naught to do me harm,
Tho’ many storms may gather.
Now I may know both joy and woe,
Some day I shall see clearly
That He hath loved me dearly.” Amen.