HONOURING GOD’S WORD

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Two well-known and often quoted verses are Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:1. Sadly, they are often quoted out of context and looked at only in relation to how they can help us in the here and now. This is the case with so many other Scriptures as well. So, let us take a look at both of these Scriptures in context.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

What God considers good may not always align with what we consider good. In fact, we are told numerous times in the bible that Christians “will be hated” and that “all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (Matthew 10:22 and 2 Timothy 3:12). God uses tribulations for our eternal benefit, just look at God’s dealings with His own nation, Israel. The world’s hatred of us is ultimately working for our good. It’s growing us, changing us, sanctifying us, and making us more Christ-like. Our sufferings force us to let go of idols and seek God above all else. When everything else is taken away, all we have is the Lord.

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

This text needs to be read in context, it has nothing to do with God prospering your plans for your life. In fact, it is everything to do with a disobedient nation God sent into exile.

Starting in verse 1 of chapter 29, we learn that the prophet Jeremiah is writing a letter to “all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.”  So already, we have a categorical and contextual problem

Jeremiah 29:11 coffee cup

It’s somewhat absurd when we take a verse meant to offer hope to an enslaved race of people and put it on a coffee cup or T-shirt. It’s just simply wrong to say this verse is about me and proclaim it over your life. Having said that, it’s important to mention that while Jeremiah 29:11 may not be about you, that doesn’t mean it’s not for you. By way of being grafted into the people of God, we can identify with this verse and remember that those in Christ are within the perfect plan of God.

Both verses, Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah 29:11 hold up a wonderful truth that God’s people can rest within, knowing God is for us. Still, a temptation remains to promote shallow applications and ignore some of the profound realities that surround these verses. We all need to dig deeper about what it means for God to promise good for His people and how He uses suffering for His glory.

Can I suggest you consider “living eternal now”.

PRAYER AFTER WINNING NRL GRAND FINAL

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Penrith Panthers Christian teammates including Brian To’o, Jerome Luai and Stephen Crichton – who caught a game-changing intercept – form a circle on the field, bowing their heads to give thanks to God for their exciting premiership win in the National Rugby League (NRL) Grand Final.

As Eternity reported last week, the trio grew up playing together in the west of Sydney and sharing their Christian faith. Crichton’s father, Va’a Crichton, is the pastor of their church, Rooty Hill Assemblies of God.

“It’s so great to see not just boys from our area playing great footy, but those same boys setting a great example for young people. We are believing for the best on and off the field for the boys!” said Sam, a youth pastor in the local Penrith area.

Brian To’o and Moesha Crichton-Ropati

Moments after the final siren, To’o went over to his partner Moesha Crichton-Ropati in the crowd and proposed to her on one knee. The State of Origin star had another cause to celebrate when a surprised Moesha said yes.

“First of all, I want to give all the glory to God, what a year it’s been for not only myself but for my community as well,” To’o told the Nine Network.

“I want to thank my beautiful partner for saying yes and also for the boys for getting us the win. I’m just grateful to be here and so lucky.

“I’m really speechless, not only because of the year I’ve had with Origin but also now to finish the year with a ring.

“It’s a special moment to have with not only my partner but my family in lockdown as well. I’m really happy.”

To’o has always been open about his Christian faith with the media, even opening up about his practices of studying the Bible, prayer and fasting.

Last year, he told an AAP reporter that he fasts for seven hours at the start of every day – abstaining from all food and all drinks, except water – even when he has training.

It is important as more young people believe belief in God is foolish and Christian morality hateful that Christians courageously acknowledge God publicly as these men have done in front of millions.