Dear Church Family,
I thought you could use some words of comfort on this last day of August. Four months remain in this year that has been like none other in our lifetimes. Many of you can remember life at the end of the Great Depression, World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars, the moon landing and the destruction of September 11, 2001. None of those events upended our lives as the current pandemic has – and it is not over. I was drawn to the first and last paragraphs of the Westminster Confession chapter on Providence. Chew over these words in the first paragraph. I challenge you find at least five truths that give you comfort.
“God—the great Creator of all things—upholds, directs, disposes, and governs
all creatures, actions, and things, from the greatest even to the least. He exercises
this most wise and holy providence according to his infallible foreknowledge
and the free and unchangeable counsel of his own will, to the praise of the glory
of his wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and mercy.”
Did you find at least five facts for comfort? Here is my summary of those words. As Creator, God has a vested interest in the events of the world. He did not sit back after His work of making all things and just watch to see what would happen. He by His sovereign and perfect will directs and governs all that happens to the smallest detail. The Confession builds on the teaching of the Bible that all things will take place to the praise of His glory. We worship God for His works of providence in all areas of life.
The chapter closes with special words for God’s people. They remind us of the practical nature of God’s promise to His people first stated by Him in Exodus 6:7, “I will take you as My own people, and I will be Your God.” Grab hold of the comforting message of this paragraph:
“As, in general, the providence of God reaches to all creatures, so, in a very special way,
it cares for his church and disposes all things for its good.”
As a part of the church of Jesus Christ - redeemed by faith alone in His work on the cross – we are a peculiar or special people. This leads us to hold on to the great promise of Romans 8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Handle this verse and the doctrine of providence with great care. At the same time, rest in the divine comfort they provide.
Living by grace to His glory,
Pastor Gillikin