There is no such thing as
"chance," "luck," or "accident"
(Don Fortner)
all numbered! Fear not therefore: you are
of more value than many sparrows." Luke 12:7
With these words, our LORD JESUS
CHRIST assures us that none of GOD'S
elect shall ever be in any real danger
or suffer any real harm, for we are
under the special care and protection
of GOD HIMSELF. I see six things
in this sentence, which are a constant
source of peace and encouragement
to my soul.
1. The Blessed Fact of Divine Predestination
The text might be better translated
"the very hairs of your head have all
been numbered." Before the world
began, our heavenly FATHER counted
up and ordained the number of hairs
that were to be upon your head at this
very moment!
This is meticulous predestination.
What does it tell us? GOD'S sovereign
purpose of grace in predestination, includes
all that we do and all that we experience.
2. A Comforting Assurance of Divine Providence
The primary intent of the text is to show us our
FATHER'S constant rule of all things. The sparrow
cannot fall to the ground, and a hair cannot fall
from your head without your FATHER'S eternal
decree in predestination, and HIS direction
in providence.
3. Our Heavenly FATHER'S Perfect
Knowledge of All Things Concerning Us
Our GOD, who predestined all
things and rules all things--
knows all things!
We are so well known by GOD, that
HE has even numbered the hairs
of our heads. "Your FATHER knows."
We need no other comfort. The LORD'S
knowledge of us is constant and entire.
HIS knowledge of us is the knowledge
of a tender, sympathetic FATHER.
4. Our FATHER'S Constant Care
HE who takes the trouble to number
the hairs of our heads, must surely
care for us. We are the apple of HIS eye.
Cast all your care upon HIM.
"HE cares for you!"
5. The Honor and High Esteem our GOD has for His Elect
GOD has numbered our hairs because
HE values them. HE holds us in honor
and high esteem above all the people
of the world, because of HIS gracious
purpose toward us in CHRIST, because
HE has made us one with HIS darling SON,
the Lord Jesus Christ (Isaiah 43:3-5; 1 John 4:9-11).
6. The Promise of Divine Protection
The hairs of our head are all numbered,
because our GOD intends that "Not a
hair of your head shall perish!"
Trials are certain. Temptations are sure.
Tribulations are constant in this world.
But there is no cause for fear.
"The very hairs of your head
are all numbered!"
Nothing whatever, whether great or small,
can happen to one of GOD'S elect--
without GOD'S decree and direction.
The providential government of our
great GOD over everything in this
world, is a truth which is clearly
revealed and constantly taught
in the Word of GOD.
Just as the telescope and microscope
show us that there is order and design
in all the works of GOD'S hand, from
the greatest planet down to the least insect--
so the Book of GOD teaches us that there
is an infinite wisdom, Divine order, and
gracious design in all the events of our
daily lives. There is no such thing as
"chance," "luck," or "accident" in GOD'S
creation, or in our journey through this world.
All is arranged and appointed by GOD, our
heavenly FATHER.
things to work together for good to those
who love GOD, to those who are called
according to HIS purpose!" Romans 8:28
Let us seek to have an abiding sense of
GOD'S hand in all our affairs. Our FATHER'S
hand measures out our daily portion. All our
steps are ordered by HIM who loves us with
an everlasting love. Confidence in GOD'S wise
and good providence, is a mighty antidote
against murmuring and discontent.
In the day of trial and disappointment,
as in the day of joy and happiness--
all is right and all is well done. When we
are laid on the bed of sickness, there is
a "needs be" for it. Else, it would not come
to pass. Because it comes to pass, the very
fact that it comes to pass should assure us
that it is for our souls' advantage.
Let us bow and be still,
and bear all things patiently.
Ours is "an everlasting covenant,
ordered in all things and sure"
(2 Samuel 23:5). That which pleases
our GOD, ought to please us. Truly,
"HE has done all things well!"
And HE will yet do all things well.
GOD'S hand in all our affairs. Our FATHER'S
hand measures out our daily portion. All our
steps are ordered by HIM who loves us with
an everlasting love. Confidence in GOD'S wise
and good providence, is a mighty antidote
against murmuring and discontent.
In the day of trial and disappointment,
as in the day of joy and happiness--
all is right and all is well done. When we
are laid on the bed of sickness, there is
a "needs be" for it. Else, it would not come
to pass. Because it comes to pass, the very
fact that it comes to pass should assure us
that it is for our souls' advantage.
Let us bow and be still,
and bear all things patiently.
Ours is "an everlasting covenant,
ordered in all things and sure"
(2 Samuel 23:5). That which pleases
our GOD, ought to please us. Truly,
"HE has done all things well!"
And HE will yet do all things well.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
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