Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:3-6
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. Ephesians 1:7-12
What is the good pleasure of His Will? It is that those who accept His Gift of Salvation might know the Joy of basking in His Presence, surrounded by His love and His Glory! Yet, knowing that without choice, no one would fully experience this magnificent glory; he allowed the darkness that we might truly see light.
The Good pleasure of his will
It was with great grace that God continued to deal with the Israelite nation. Each victory and act of grace shining forth the love and glory of God to them. Yet, their own selfish desire, their pride, and their foolish hearts sought after worldly pleasures and vain idols. Repeatedly, God would reach out to them. He sent prophets and teachers. Yet, their dark, selfish hearts desired only what they desired. Not wanting to surrender to God as Lord over them. Each time they led the nation, their children, and their families away from God’s plan. Sometimes out of the midst of the despair they led themselves into, they would cry out to God for help. Then He would save them. At other times, He allowed other nations to overtake and destroy all but a remnant.
Still, it was the good pleasure of His will that a remnant would survive and march on through the corridors of time to bring forth a Savior. Jesus Christ, born of a virgin, God’s very own son came to die and pay the penalty for their sins and ours. We have read of this again in 1 and 2 Kings. Elijah grew weary as he preached the word of God to a crowd of people who continued to ignore God, believing their own “morality” was enough. Yet, in their “morality” they sacrificed babies, worshipped golden idols, and denied the one true living God who called to them in love. Much like our own nation today.
God Will Complete
Worn and weary, Elijah cried out to God in despair; believing there was no one left but he who worshipped God. God then comforted Elijah. He told him that judgement would surely come and the remnant would walk through the trials; but, come forth victorious. Additionally, Elijah was to appoint Elisha to take over as prophet and Elijah was taken home to rest. Although, it will be Elijah who returns to be a witness at the wailing wall and even martyred there when the prophecies of Revelations are fulfilled. All that God foretold to Elijah in I Kings concerning Hazael and Jehu came to pass in 2 Kings 8 and 9. Judgement came to all those who continued in the worship of Baal!
There are times when we look around us and shudder with the evil we see. Furthermore, we look at so many who feign righteousness and moral indignation, yet do not know the truth of who God is. We, like Elijah, wonder if any remain who truly seek God as Lord. Beyond that, we look deep within our own hearts and plead that God cleanse us. We desire that He accomplish all that is His will within our own hearts.
But this we know and may be confident in! Just as He fulfilled all that His will planned through the corridors of time in bringing forth His only Son to pay the penalty for our sins on the cross, He will accomplish all the Good Pleasure of His Will. Every detail of Christ’s birth, life on earth, death and resurrection were fulfilled just as foretold. The same is true today that He will complete all the Good pleasure of His Will. The victory is won! He will return one day. Judgement will be completed. Righteousness will reign.
Concluding Thoughts
Where do you stand? If Jesus Christ returned today to take His church and reign in the seven years of tribulation, where would you be? Would you be standing upon your own self-righteous ideologies or would your faith stand firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ? Therefore, let us pray, “Thy will be done, Lord”
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts in This Series:
Do You Know All Things Work Together for Good?
What if Desperation Leads to Life and Joy?
Moralizers so Blinded to God’s Truth and Their Guilt
Do You Really Know God as Omnipotent, Omniscient Lord?
Does God Really Care About the Little Stuff?
How Can Someone So Close Not Know God?
Can a Missed Opportunity Leave a Nation to Fall?
One Unlikely Believer and the Grace of God
Do You Trust God in the Famine?
Is Love Really Worth the Heartbreak?
Are you Really Seeking God in All You Do?
Do You Believe God is Your Provider?
What Can One God Fearing Man Do?
What Happens When We Fail to Teach Our Children?
How to Revive Barren Lands with Living Waters
Who will Carry the Torch for God Against Evil?
What if God’s Work Leaves You Alone and Depressed?
Can You See The Army of God Surrounding You?
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
Photo courtesy of RoninRon Custom Art