As we approached the great Easter weekend celebrations this year, I spent much time reviewing the gospel accounts covering the approximately two months of time of the journey between Palm Sunday and Pentecost.
An incredible number of things took place in Jerusalem and the surrounding area in that time frame. I was particularly interested to note the activities of Jesus, the diversity of people involved, the number of prophecies fulfilled, and the launch of Christ’s global mission through a small group of transformed people.
As I reflected on those chapters of the gospels, I found myself thinking that our God truly is a master planner. In a short space of time, he fulfilled long awaited prophecies and turned the monumental page of history.
In dictionaries a master plan is defined as a dynamic comprehensive long-term plan-of-action toward a pre-determined objective.
It’s also defined as a detailed plan for doing something that will require a lot of time and effort. By necessity, a master plan will include instruction and guidance and a clear picture of the final outcome for those who are working at implementing the plan.
In a way, we could think of the Bible as containing God’s master plan for creation and humanity. The death, resurrection and ascension of Christ followed by the launch of his global mission, mark a vital turning point in the unfolding story that is moving towards a final outcome.
Scripture gives us glimpses of what remains to be fulfilled in God’s grand master plan. Ephesians 1:10 says that when the time is right God will bring all creation together, in heaven and on earth, with Christ as the Head. Revelation 21 and 22 describes the people and the place where God and His people will dwell untainted by sin and the evil destructive influences that surround us today.
This is an incomparable story of Good News!
In a world that seems to increase in brokenness, injustice, uncertainty, wars, and abominable behaviours, God’s master plan continues to unfold despite the most intense opposition. In a world plagued with spiritual darkness the message of supreme hope that is found in Christ shines like a powerful light. Indeed, Jesus is the light of the world.
Our God is a supreme, almighty, reliable, merciful, just, and a holy master planner. There are many assurances that his plan will be fulfilled perfectly. Isaiah 46:9-11 records God saying, “what I have planned that will I do”.
So many prophecies were fulfilled surrounding Christ’s first coming that in human calculation would be totally impossible. This gives us confident expectation that what remains to be fulfilled will be fulfilled perfectly.
Jesus said that he would build his church and that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. When he made that statement there were only a handful of wavering followers. However, through the centuries literally billions of people became followers through thick and thin and have become part of the multitude that no one could number from every kindred, tribe and language. (Revelation 7:9)
It’s all because of God’s mercy and grace demonstrated through Christ’s triumphant victory over death, hell, and the grave. That’s Good News!
When we pray “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is heaven”, we are agreeing with God on what he has planned for all creation.
Every believer is called to be involved in the proclamation of the Good News and living the Good News to the glory of God, the ultimate master planner.
As I write, the words of an old hymn come to mind:
We’ve a story to tell to the nations, That shall turn their hearts to the right, A story of truth and mercy, A story of peace and light. We’ve a message to give to the nations, That the Lord who reigns up above Has sent us His Son to save us And show us that God is love. We’ve a Saviour to show to the nations, Who the path of sorrow has trod, That all of the world’s great peoples Might come to the truth of God.
Be encouraged and let’s continue to serve the Lord. He is implementing his master plan and we are his partners by his grace!