Each book of the Bible has its own unique presentation of truth, and if we understand this it will help us greatly in the understanding of the Holy Scriptures. Exodus describes how God brought His people (the Israelites) out of Egypt, and all the details in connection with the setting up of the tabernacle in the wilderness. These things will undoubtedly prove deeply interesting to all our readers.
A Seemingly Messy Process
God has a great lesson to teach us from His Word, which is good to learn early in our Christian life. It is this: God moves behind the scenes — He controls everything and works out His own perfect plans and purposes in spite of all man’s busy efforts. When a mother is going to do some fancy needle-work she has a design — a plan — in front of her, and then gradually works it out on the fabric. The wrong side may look like a great many confused tangles, and her child might ask, “Mother, what are you doing?” Mother will perhaps show her the design which she is following, and say, “This is what it will look like when it is finished. Isn’t that pretty?” In a similar way in this world God is wisely working out His own plans, and what may now look like confusion and tangles, works out the perfect wisdom of His ways. Sometimes, as the mother works, she puts down one color and takes up another, in order to make the beautiful blending of colors that is necessary. In the same way God uses one method for a time, and then another, in His dealings with individuals or with nations. However, His work is always according to His perfect wisdom and love. He works out His own perfect designs for the blessing of His people.
God’s Final Result
Perhaps some might ask, “What is God’s work going to look like when it is all completed?” That is a good question and God has answered it in His Word. Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden, and the whole scene has been spoiled, but there is a day coming when God will create a new heaven and a new earth which will never be spoiled by sin or its results. Christ as a man is to be the center of that whole scene of glory, and God will be all in all (Revelation 21:1,231And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. (Revelation 21:1)
23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. (Revelation 21:23); 1 Corinthians 15:2828And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. (1 Corinthians 15:28)). Through the finished work of Christ at Calvary, the way has been opened for blessing to poor sinners like you and me. We will share all with Him as His joint-heirs (Romans 8:1717And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17)). Would you not like to be part of God’s workmanship for that new creation? He has made you and has given you your life, your breath and all that you have, but you have sinned against Him (Romans 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23)). Now if you will just admit your sinful condition before Him, and accept Christ as your Saviour, He will make you a new creature in Christ Jesus, giving you a place — a mansion — in that eternal glory. Are you willing?
We can see then, that when God’s work is completed, the whole of the new creation will forever reflect His glory without any hint of sin. We must, however, warn any who are unsaved, that your eternal portion will be the lake of fire, where you will be confined under the righteous judgment of God forever. We beg you to come to Christ now.
Further Meditation
1. Why do God’s ways sometimes seem very messy?
2. Why didn’t God just “fix-up” the old creation instead of beginning a new one?
3. For more on the subject of God’s Sovereignty you might find God’s Sovereignty and Man’s Responsibility by P. Wilson to be helpful. It’s actually a rather challenging pamphlet, but if you are motivated, you can pick up quite a few helpful thoughts on the Sovereignty of God.