Is, Was, and Will Be...
Revelation 1:4 - Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come...
What a perfect description of God: the one "who is, and who was, and who is to come."
Like good Lutherans we ask, "What does this mean?"
It means that what happens in this world is not just a chain of unorganized events. No, God created this world, and ever since the beginning he's been in control. He's been arranging things to benefit us and our relationship with him. He still is. He still will be tomorrow and two months from now and forty-seven years from now.
It means the stuff that has happened in your life-even the horrible things-God has manipulated to do something good for you. The stuff that's going on in your life now, God is handling, even though you can't see how. And the stuff in the future? God will control the future as well.
Oh, and we can't forget the best two words in this Bible verse. They say what God gives past, present and future:
GRACE. That means love and concern and care. For you. Unconditionally.
PEACE. That means God is not going to suddenly smash you because you have sinned. No, he has already smashed somebody for your sins-Jesus. Now you are at peace with God.
What's in the past? Grace and peace from God.
What's in the present? Grace and peace from God.
What's in the future? Grace and peace from God.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How does knowing God controls past, present, and future deepen your understanding of his grace and peace?
PRAYER SUGGESTION: God, help me to remember every day that you are in control and that you are giving me your grace and peace. In Jesus' name. Amen.