Today I was reading in Matthew 13:11 where Jesus is explaining the parable of the sower. In verse 11 he makes a very clear statement about spiritual awareness. It says, ” Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them, it has not been given”
Then I read in Rev. 20:15 ” and anyone not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire”
If anyone like me – a child of God – who sees these verses, and can say that God doesn’t choose who are spiritually alive – is either not aware of God’s sovereignty in Salvation. This is usually due to some false teaching that lacks depth, or they are not a student of Scripture themselves. (2 Tim :15)
There is really only one response that I have. It is praise and bewilderment at the same time. Why me Lord? I was a mess just like everyone else. I was dead and headed to more decay but He chose me and pulled me out.
Now I am blessed and fruitful – because of his wonderful choice of me before the foundation of the world. (Eph. 1:4) I have hope that is real.
Yesterday – I spoke with my best friend David Dowling. He has just lost his father to Covid. His father was a good man and had an impact on my life when I was young. David has such joy and comfort that is evident in the fact that he knows where his father is – with God in heaven. He understands the hope we have in Christ and the result is peace – during what some would consider a horrible loss. Many – fall apart – when they lose someone to death. They fall apart because they do not understand the mystery of the Gospel and the Sovereignty of God in death. When I lost my brother Vince Gowens (https://www.facebook.com/vince.gowens) to death, I hurt sure – but I kept thinking about where he was and the Glory of what he is seeing and understanding. WOW, what comfort.
To those who may one day read this – and I am no longer here due to whatever aliment – well you can rest assured that I am in the most glorious place that I never ever would want to leave. I am beholding the face of my Father – who has proven Himself to me over and over again. I will be forever serving the one I love and adore with perfection in a perfect body – that is not tainted by sin or sickness. I will be with my brothers and sisters in the Lord – serving our God – with uniqueness and perfection that brings Him Glory.
All of this – was because God chose me to come out of sin and brought me into the light. Wow-what a great God He is and what a great savior.