Sunday Worship - 05.07.2020

The Hands of the Lord

by Deacon Crimson

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Bible Reading: Romans 8:28

And we know, that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

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Dear Brethren,

Greetings to you from Church of Christ the King, Libya.

Many a time, we have heard this particular verse and many of us would have memorized it as well. Paul was writing this letter to the believers in Rome when the Christian belief started to spread across the Diaspora. The Iron rule of the Roman empire had brought a lot of good and evil to the common people. There were nobles and slaves, rich and the poor, educated and the illiterates, high and the low atmosphere, severe punishments and simple escapes, citizens and aliens, honesty and bribery, and torture in one side and the enjoyment over it on the other part of coliseums, pop and splendor as well as utter poverty and restlessness. God fearing Centurion one side and the heartless corporals the other side. So it was a multi-cultural city that lacked godliness and honesty.

Paul was writing to these people who had whipping as corporal punishments for sinful behavior. He never lagged behind in telling about the love of God. 'Salvation' he explained, was the only word that has a complete condemnation for the and the love of God for eternal salvation.

Romans 6 : 23

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

The above bible verse clearly lays the choice. The freedom of choice is ours. Its our choice to embrace the everlasting condemnation or the eternal life that Jesus offers unto us.

All things work for good... reveals the strong faith of the Roman-time believers. These people withstood all sort of persecution and ill-treatment. They suffered much for the Lord. Paul at the end of the epistle gives the list of names of the believers in the Roman church.

And all things worked good. The same Rome that burnt the Christians at stakes, put them as prey for the hungry lions, crucified them for their goodness became a Christian nation within three hundred years. There were certain elements within who compromised the true Christian faith. But for the true christian sufferers and persecuted, 'all things worked good'.

During Chinese Revolution, some 75 years ago under Mao, the Red band leader, all Christians were tortured and killed and the churches were made libraries and the entertainment halls to propagate the Maoist principles. Once a band of brutal and heartless men vandalized and vanquished all christian houses in a Chinese village. A young man was one the victims and had almost became paralyzed by their brutal attack. His little brother was so sad with the Lord. He asked, why God had allowed such havoc to take place. But there was no answer for a long time. But when these Maoists seized power, they came again to the village and took away any one who was young, healthy and of good physique to admit them in army forcefully. However, when they searched this house they could see only this wounded young man who was unable stand or walk and they left him there. Days went on,and this young man became well. Sadly, all others who were taken never came back to the village. Then the little brother realized that all things work together for good to those who loved God and called according to His purpose.

Dear brethren, even in our lives, we may have experienced a lot of mishaps and loses but remember this particular verse that 'all things work for good'. In the Bible, we have so many examples from the lives of Biblical heroes who have suffered to the maximum but ended up with the achievers of great blessings. Kindly try to memorize this particular verse. Recite them when encountering sorrows and trails. This bible verse will give us hope and comfort.

Hebrews 12:1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us...

Prayer

Loving Lord heavenly Father, We thank you and praise you for all your promises. Many a time, when we face troubles and failures, we faint spiritually. But Lord, thanks for your promises that give us strength and courage. Lord, help us to claim those promises of hope and joy and where we see the future glory and hope. Yes! Lord, we acknowledge that all things work for good in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Bible Readings Referred

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