“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
(Ephesians 4:32)
Whether in the corporate world or the entertainment industry or politics, we often see the most qualified being denied the positions most vied for. When we look at the men and women governing the western world at present, for example, it becomes obvious they are not there because of their brilliance, experience, or moral integrity. Rather (almost certainly) they are there because they know others in positions of even greater power and authority. “When the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” says the proverb (Proverb 29:2b). Though we rightly mourn over the current state of our world, it helps to remember that nothing transpires except by God’s command or permission. Ultimately, it is God Who determines and installs human governments. For His own purposes He has chosen to set over us, at least for the moment, the very basest of men (Daniel 4:17). Of course this is temporary; one day, sooner or later, God the Father will officially install His appointed King on His holy hill of Zion (Psalm 2:6). “Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness,” wrote the prophet, “and princes shall rule in judgment” (Isaiah 32:1). At long last we will have the government we’ve been longing for. Amazingly, this government under King Jesus will not be composed of angels confirmed in holiness, but of redeemed men (Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:29-30; Hebrews 2:5; Revelation 1:6; 5:9-10). Our special recognition, privileges, and responsibilities in the promised kingdom age will also depend upon Who we know. A personal relationship with God in Christ is essential (Nahum 1:7; John 10:27; 1 Corinthians 8:3; Galatians 4:9; 2 Timothy 2:19). Without it there is no salvation; without it there is no admittance into the kingdom (Matthew 7:21). Today’s verse passage reminds us that God for Christ’s sake has forgiven us. That is, because of our association with Christ the Lord and His redemptive work we have forgiveness and the remission of sins. We see this precious truth typified and alluded to throughout the Scriptures. Isaac was blessed for Abraham’s sake (Genesis 26:24) and Laban was blessed for Jacob’s sake (Genesis 30:27). Potiphar the Egyptian was blessed for the sake of Joseph (Genesis 39:5) just as Abijam, despite his gross sin, was blessed for David’s sake (1 Kings 15:1-5). Knowing Christ in a personal way not only guarantees salvation and the blessedness of reigning and ruling with Him, it also contains the promise of our being competent to take on these blessed responsibilities. Spiritually, we are already new creatures, born again and seated with our Lord in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6). One day our redemption and adoption will be complete (Romans 8:23). We will be fit to exercise new and profoundly important God-given authority, for Christ’s sake and for the good of those He loves. Praise God and Maranatha!
God bless,
pastor john
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