God doesn’t do random. He creates for a purpose. He appoints and empowers. And God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion . . . So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion . . .1
Due to sin the earth was corrupted. Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and the earth was filled with violence. . . . for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. And God said to Noah, “I have determined to make an end of all flesh.2 God had plans to start over. Then the LORD said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation. And Noah did all that the LORD had commanded him.3 Note, the provision follows the vision.
The promise is unleashed but first a premise needs to be settled. Terah took Abram . . . and went forth together from Ur . . . to go into the land of Canaan but when they came to Haran they settled there.4 Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing.5
To grab hold of what is ahead, we need to let go of those that hold us back. Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.6 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.7 Yes, the Word is offensive. And blessed is the one who is not offended by [Jesus].8
At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.9 For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.10
And Jesus went throughout the cities and villages teaching . . . proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing . . . When he saw the crowd he had compassion for them, . . .11 Yes, Jesus dined with sinners but not to condone their sin; rather to connect with them and transform them.
And he called to him the twelve disciples and gave them authority . . .12 For the last time after his resurrection, Jesus appears to his eleven disciples. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. . .13 Again God appoints and empowers. As you follow God’s will, shall Jesus not grant whatever you need if you ask? He who has ears to hear, let him hear.14
Notes:
1. Genesis 1:26-28
2. Genesis 6:11-12
3. Genesis 7:1,5
4. Genesis 11:31
5. Genesis 12:1-2
6. Proverbs 14:7
7. Psalms 1:1-4
8. Matthew 11:6
9. Matthew 11:25
10. Ephesians 3:14-19
11. Matthew 9:35-36
12. Matthew 10:1-4
13. Matthew 28:16-20
14. Matthew 11:15
