Nothing Is Left To Chance

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Reading: John 13:18=30

Reflection: It's interesting to note that, according to Jesus, even His betrayal happened according to God's plan. When Jesus tells the disciples that someone will betray Him, He also notes that this will happen to "fulfill the scripture." So, from Jesus' birth, to His baptism, to His betrayal, to His death, there isn't a single detail left to chance. Jesus may be handed over, but it will happen according to God's foreknowledge and plan.

This is actually encouraging to me. Unlike many people who read such statements and question whether or not they can trust a God who plans His own son's death, I read these statements and gain confidence that the world is not out of control. You see, the historical events that brought about our salvation were never left to chance. God has always known not only THAT I would be saved, but HOW and WHEN and WHERE that salvation would occur. Because God is unchanging in nature, that means that we are also moving toward the return of Jesus according to God's set plan. The events of our day are not random, chance happenings. Rather, they are moving us intentionally and certainly toward the predetermined end that God has already planned. This gives me confidence and hope, because nothing has been left to chance.