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“Everything [is] under his control” (Philippians 3:21). What a glorious truth to cling to today.
God is in control of our health.
He is in control of our economy.
He is in control of our work.
And while we may not know or understand his plans, all throughout Scripture, he has proven himself to be faithful and sovereign, working all things for his glory and the ultimate “good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).
One day, we will see the ultimate culmination of that good on the New Earth where Christ will reign as king forever. But until then, the King has called us to work as His vice-regents, toiling to extend His control and agenda for redemption of every square inch of creation.
Doctors are working around the clock to bring COVID-19 under control.
Government leaders are working to bring our way of life under control.
Entrepreneurs and other culture creators are working to bring the economy under control.
All of our work should be aimed at the redemption of what’s broken in our world today, in-line with the agenda of the One True King. But whether we fail or succeed, all our attempts at redemptive work have the opportunity to serve as sign-posts to the ultimate redemption of all things through Christ.
On that first Easter morning, Jesus showed us that he has the power to “transform our lowly human bodies” into something redeemed, perfect, and “glorious” (Philippians 3:21). But as Scripture makes clear, when Christ returns to rule forever in the New Jerusalem, he won’t just redeem our bodies. He will redeem the whole of creation. Because everything is ultimately under His control.
One day, all of our attempts at redemptive work will be made perfect. Until that day, let us work heartily (Colossians 3:23) to point to the future hope for our world.
Philippians 3:1-21 (ESV) -
1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.
2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
Straining Toward the Goal
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Revelation 21:1-5 (ESV) -
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Romans 8:28 (ESV) -
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Colossians 3:23 (ESV) -
23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,