Read Matthew 2
“For thus it is written in the prophets…”
(Matthew 2:5, 15, 18, 23)
Thoughts… The birth and life of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Savior of the world, was not the product of random events. It was the direct result of prophetic fulfillment. Thus the phrase linking Christ’s life to Old Testament prophecy is repeated four times here in this second chapter of Matthew’s Gospel.
Those details of Jesus’ life had been laid out in the mind of God from eternity past and had been written down in the inspired utterances of the prophets of old hundreds of years before Christ was born. The fulfillment of scores of prophecies in minute detail of the birth, life, death, and resurrection Jesus leaves us with a pretty amazing track record of prophetic accuracy…leaving no doubt that those detailing his second coming will most certainly be fulfilled, too.
There is nothing random about God; nothing is left up to chance. The God of the Bible is the sovereign Lord of the universe, and is ruling over the details of history to bring about his perfect plan. What may seem like happenstance or coincidence, God has foreordained, caused, or permitted in his perfect will. Coincidence is simply a sovereign act of God for which he chooses to remain unseen; a miracle for which he prefers anonymity.
God is in control of all things, and that includes your life. David wrote in Psalm 139:16,
“You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.”
God’s Word invites you to live with amazing confidence today, knowing that he is in control of all things, including even the smallest details of your life. Therefore you can say, “all things will work together for my good and his glory.”
Prayer… Lord, I will live confidently and expectantly this day, and this year, knowing that my life is a part of your greater plan. May the details of my life serve your purposes perfectly and bring great glory to your name.
One More Thing… “We serve a gracious Master who knows how to overrule even our mistakes to His glory and our own advantage.” —John Newton
Lord, give me faith that Thy will shall be done and strength to be obedient to Your Word.
Bob– "Thy will be done" is probably the most powerful, but toughest prayer of all–especially when His will conflicts with my will.
“We serve a gracious Master who knows how to overrule even our mistakes to His glory and our own advantage.” —John Newton
It is so comforting to know that the Lord is even in control of my mistakes. When we are in the thick of lifes struggles, it is sometimes hard to not allow guilt to overcome us and allow our Father to be glorified and magnified.
Thanks for the reminder – Michelle