Feb 20

The eternal wisdom of God which he has prepared for those who believe in him has been prepared from all eternity for those believers. God's plans are eternal plans. The crucifixion of his Son was not a surprise to God. He has known from all eternity that the Son would offer himself as a sacrifice for the whole world.

"He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake" (1 Ptr. 1:20).

Again, "revealed", not figured out by human reasoning. Jesus' death on the cross was for our sake; the knowledge of this is also for our sake. Both the deed and the understanding of the eternal depths of that deed come from God -- and both are for our sake.

But only those in Christ can understand this. The political and religious leaders of this world cannot. They simply go ahead and do what their beliefs impel them to do.

"Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen" (Acts 4:27, 28).

So it is that God's eternal foreknowledge and our free will are intertwined to bring about the history that we witness in this world.

Scripture for today: 1 Cor. 2:7, 8
Thought for today: God is not surprised by evil, but allows it for reasons that only his divine wisdom can fathom. But there is a reason, and those in Christ are learning that reason.
Prayer for today: Thank you, Lord, for being God and in control. May I never doubt this when I see evil take place, but remember that you are still God -- always.

FEB 20