TThe God of Purpose

Our world contains many gods – man-made and those which we create – but there is only one True God.  This True God is the only god in the world with a purpose, at least one that is fulfilled! My notes in this writing were prompted by a recent reading in Scripture regarding the season of Epiphany.  This season follows the season of Christmas that is fronted by the baptism of our LORD. This washing of our LORD was necessary as true man sent to accomplish God’s purpose and plan.

What is the definition of purpose?  One dictionary remarks, “the reason which something is done or created for which something exists.” The dictionary also lists several synonyms including aim, desire, goal, intent(ion), or objective.

God’s purpose, in the beginning, was to create a perfect creation in His image. Even following original sin committed by Adam and Eve did not detract God from His divine purpose. For He ordained that all should be returned in total harmony with His good and gracious will that was eventually accomplished in His Son’s total atoning sacrifice once for all.

God’s plan for His creation included a restoration originating in Abraham as its father. Abraham, and the nation of Israel, were the vehicle of delivering the message of Good News to the world regarding the only True God. His plan (and purpose) used many personages, including the tyrant, Pharaoh. Moses (the image of the preincarnate Christ) was sent by God to deliver multiple messages including plagues.  The final plague of death showed God’s dominance over the powerful Egyptian Pharaoh who had enslaved God’s called people. His purpose was their eventual landing in a Promised Land.  His deliverance to the land of Promise contained various miraculous signs including the flood season water crossing of the Jordan. Nothing could be more obvious of His will and purpose than His signs over their journey from Egypt to Israel.

Israel’s faithfulness waxed and waned over years that culminated in their second captivity by the Babylonians.  This followed the majority of Israel having rejected the True God and taken into captivity by the Assyrians never to return. But God’s remnant remained. In the midst of their upheaval, the prophet Isaiah reminded God’s people that foreign gods exist but there is only ONE True God. (emphasis added) He said, “listen to me…I (True God) have upheld you…I have carried you from birth…I am he who will sustain you.” (Isaiah 46:3ff paraphrased) These verbs of action (upheld, carried, and sustain) are powerful and remind us that He – and only He – can perform these actions.

After seventy years of captivity (605 -536 BC), the Israelites returned to their homeland thanks to the Persians (and God’s purpose).  It follows that God’s purpose continues to show His undying love for His called servants originating in Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He used various agents – prophets, priests, and kings – as His messengers. Yes, His eventual purpose was in the person of Christ Jesus, His son. Yes, the promise in Genesis 3:15 is delivered.

For hundreds of years, the loved ones of God continued to live, eagerly anticipating (anxious?) fulfillment of God’s promise.  His ultimate deliverance culminated in the Old Testament (“O. T.”) prophet who was to deliver a welcoming announcement of the LORD’s Christ. God’s plan of deliverance is reaching its pinnacle – resulting in the birth of Jesus, the Messiah.  Much has been written regarding our LORD’s earthly walk, but His final path to Calvary was also in God’s plan and purpose.

St. Paul, a called apostle of our LORD, wrote much about our LORD’s purpose in Christ. God’s eternal purpose was accomplished in Christ and through faith, we may approach the Heavenly Father in true harmony. (Ephesians 3:11) St. Peter reminded the multitude in Jerusalem on Pentecost that “this man (Jesus) was handed over to you by God’s set purposes and foreknowledge.” (Acts 2:23)

God’s purpose for His called ones does not mean that those whom He calls do not experience suffering.  St. Paul also reminds us that suffering (like Christ’s) produces a chain reaction that results in HOPE.   And that hope does not disappoint us. As an ambassador for Christ, Paul traveled thousands of miles to foreign lands proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  For example, in his first European planted church, he said to the Philippians, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. (Philippians 2:11) And to the church at Ephesus, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:7ff)

I am further reminded of Isaiah’s great missional message to God’s people. He said, “My Word will not return unto Me empty but will accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

While God’s purpose for His creation was perhaps upended in sin, His eventual and eternal goal remained constant from before the beginning of time.  Yes, that we are returned in total harmony with the Father that was accomplished in His Son, Jesus, the Messiah.   May the God of all grace and mercy continue to enfold you into His good and gracious will that is His divine purpose for all that would receive Him as LORD and Savior.

Peace

Connected in Him, I stand

GHR