God's Unfathomable Ways - Devotional

Gracetoyou.org ^ | 1997 | John Macarthur, Grace Community Church

[metmom]

“Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).

Christ’s humiliation displayed God’s wisdom.

Somewhere along the path of Christ’s descent, you’d think He would have said to Himself, These people really aren’t worth redeeming. This is too degrading and humiliating! But the grace and love of God toward sinners was such that Christ stooped to die for you and me. At the end of Paul’s doctrinal survey of salvation in Romans, he said, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!” (11:33). He was in awe of God’s plan of salvation—a plan no man would have devised.

If we had planned the Incarnation, we probably would have wanted Christ to be born in a palace. His family would have been wealthy and prominent, and He would have been educated in the finest universities with elite teachers and the best tutors. We would have orchestrated events so that everyone loved, revered, honored, and respected Him. He would have been in all the prominent places and met all the prominent people.

We would not have had Him born in a stable to a poor family. He would not have spent His youth in a carpenter’s shop in an obscure town. Rather than a ragtag band of followers, we would have made sure He had only the best people as His disciples, and they would have had to pass stiff qualifying tests for the privilege.

We would not have allowed Him to be humiliated. We would have imprisoned or executed anyone who spit on Him, pulled His beard, mocked Him, or hurt Him. Our plan for the Messiah would have been very different from God’s plan, and, as a result no one could have been saved. It’s no wonder the psalmist said, “Thy judgments are like a great deep” (Ps. 36:6). God’s ways are unsearchable, His truths profound. And His plan to redeem us was accomplished by Christ’s humiliation.

Suggestions for Prayer

Daniel prayed, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him” (Dan. 2:20). Like Daniel, worship the only wise God, who saved you.

For Further Study

Read 1 Peter 2:21-24. What did Christ leave you (v. 21)?

[metmom]

Studying God’s Word Ping

[Qui is]

Interesting point because that is exactly how our current leaders are groomed for greatness, an if I were a betting man, I’d wager that is exactly how the soon to be crowned new global leader (Antichrist) has been probably been prepped.

[metmom]

I agree.

[mrobisr]

“We would not have allowed Him to be humiliated.”

This is exactly why the Jews as a whole still cannot accept Jesus of Nazareth as Messiah.

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”

What still amazes me is that no matter how many times I read and study the Word I still learn something about our great GOD and realize just how pitiful I am.

Thank you for the study.

[353FMG]

>>“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”<<

I have often wondered if the inmates of Auschwitz and those that perished in the Soviet Gulag were of the same opinion. A friend of mine wants to know.

Don’t answer unless you’re sure and let your answer not be based on faith but on knowledge.

[353FMG]

>....exactly how our current leaders are groomed for greatness,...<

GROOMED FOR GREATNESS!!!????

Huh? Do you see any greatness among our Congress critters while you observe what is happening on our border and our country limps along in a self-destruct mode? Sheesh, what are you drinking and where can I get it?

[metmom]

From an inmate in a concentration camp.

The Hiding Place: The Triumphant True Story of Corrie Ten Boom

https://www.amazon.com/Hiding-Place-Triumphant-Story-Corrie/dp/0553256696