Easter is finally upon us! Let’s take a journey back to consider another time; incredible events that were all a part of God’s redemptive plan.
Since the beginning of creation and the fall of man, God has had a plan to bring His people back to Him. His plan involved a covenant with Abram, to become a father of many nations. This promise was to give future descendants a hope, a land and a connection back to Him. This covenant promise was critically important, because Abram and his wife, Sarai, were childless. God’s redemption plan did not stop there. This promise was passed down through the years from Abram. Here is an overview of God’s awesome promise and plan.
Abram
Genesis 15:1-6
Abram’s name changed to Abraham
Genesis 17:1-10
Isaac, son of Abraham
Genesis 26:2-5
Jacob, son of Isaac – God’s promise of land, descendants and blessings
Genesis 28:12-15
Jacob’s name changed to Israel
Genesis 32:24-28
God saves His people via Joseph in Egypt
Genesis 45:4-11
Jacob blesses his sons and Joseph, before his death
Genesis 49:26
Joseph ‘s statement to his brothers before his death
Genesis 50:24
The Egyptians had watched God save His people from a famine. Then God began to multiply His people, but by that time, Joseph was no longer remembered by the new Pharaoh. The number of Israelites was great and became a perceived threat to the Egyptians. To eradicate this dilemma, a new vice was introduced to control the population of the Israelites: SLAVERY. However, this obstacle only seemed to add to their population, instead of lessening it. God heard the cries of His people and provided a way out for them, the exit from Egypt with Moses as their leader. During their migration period, Moses divided the Israelites into 12 tribes representing the sons of Jacob. After wandering 40 years in the desert, the Lord allowed Moses to look upon the Promised land, but Joshua led the people there.
At this point, it might seem like God had changed His plan. New players were always being introduced. The same theme ran throughout the Old Testament. The plan might have seemed very elusive, but God was always providing a way back to Him.
Then God introduced His son, Jesus, in the New Testament. What interesting times fell upon Joseph and Mary, the earthly caretakers of very precious cargo. As with any parent, there were times of many questions, but God always provided a way. When Jesus started His earthly ministry at the age of 30, he already knew His Heavenly Father’s plan to save His people. Jesus was born with a mission, to save His people; including us.
In the Old Testament, God used many wonders to move His people beyond slavery to worship Him and not other gods. He knew that their allegiance to Him was on again and off again. Then in the New Testament, they just wanted a Messiah, someone to take away the oppression of the Romans. However, this new king didn’t do what they expected, and He desired their entire being.
The four gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John give the details of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. What anyone of us do with that is very important. According to Dr. David Jeremiah from his book Count It All Joy, “When a Christian faces adversity, especially if it is intense and prolonged, his perspective on life and death is brought into sharp focus.” Each of us face issues differently. Paul said to count it all as joy when you meet a trial, because of its growth of our faith. Recently, I was diagnosed with shingles, a very contagious virus. Honestly, I did not count it all joy when receiving the diagnosis, because I wanted it gone right away. It lasted 4 weeks.
Christ died on the cross, so that we can have a connection to God, and so sin would no longer have control over us. That means being honest about what is happening to us.
So why did I mention all the above? It was to remind us that God always had a plan and still has a plan for us. He is in total control and His plan will never be thwarted. We can take comfort in His plan, even if we don’t know or understand it.
As a parent, what is your main mission for your kids? Is it to make our God known to them? Do they know that God has always had a plan to save His people? A good plan just for them?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 NLT
