The View from 30,000 Feet

The Word is first...

Romans 8:28 (NIV)
²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984

I had the opportunity for a plane ride this week during which I glanced out the window at the world below. The view from 30,000 feet is considerably different from the view to which I am accustomed. In my normal view, I am surrounded by all manner of things, hemmed in as it were by buildings, fences and features of the terrain. From a higher perspective it is clear that I live in a beautiful and sprawling world. Buildings are of no consequence, fences are invisible and the features of the terrain which I stuggle against are revealed in all their glory.

This of course is a physical representation of a spiritual thought. Consider that from our perspective, we are hemmed in by our circumstances, constrained by opponents and opposed by the landscape of our hearts and minds. But from God's view, 30,000,000 feet (give or take) our circumstances are but fleeting shadows, our opponents insignificant and the landscape of our hearts and minds the result of our own handiwork. Where we see only the mountain, God sees the valley on the other side. Where we see opposition, God sees opportunity and where we see struggles and toil, God sees growth.

My study verse today is an important lesson in perspective and it represents the view from 30,000 feet. In times of adversity and bewilderment, many Christians rightly run to this verse for encouragement. In that God's Word is always a great refuge, this verse bears scrutiny that we may further understand its implications in our lives.

The passage opens with a statement that "we know." I 'know' what the time and temperature is. I 'know' what I need to do today. I 'know' that the room I am in is uncomfortably warm as I write this. I 'know' the score of the basketball game last night and I 'know' how the movie I watched ends. All of these things are facts that are 'known' by anecdotal observation, they are head knowledge. This is not the 'knowing' to which Paul refers in this passage. Instead Paul is referring to a knowledge by faith, an intuition of the truth of the matter based on supporting experience and evidence. This is 'heart knowledge' that we accept as being truth because for it not to be true would introduce a variable of inconsistency that is incompatible with God about whom this knowledge pertains.

This intuitive understanding applies to the purpose of the circumstances which disappoint us, the tests, trials, temptations and tribulations of our every day life. Yet not only the matters of the created world but also the consequences of our decisions and of those around us; the consequences of sin. It is 'all things' not just events but all the powers of the world. I believe that specifically this is in reference to the good things which give us joy and also those things that are intended to undo us. The efforts of Satan, the interference of his minions, the deception of our own hearts and nature, all things big and small; physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. This is a reflection of the fact that all things above and below are within the sovereign control of God and that all things are used by God.

It is important to note that the tense of this passage indicates an active state. "... in all things, God works." Our God was, is and will ever be. In the same way, the word 'works' indicates an ongoing and present effort. Whereas justification was fully accomplished at the cross ("it is done") the process of sanctification is just that, a process. One that has been going on, is going on and will continue till we stand perfected in the presence of God. This is the present work of The Holy Spirit in our life.

The manner in which "all things" are "presently used for the good" is not that we immediately recognize the benefit, though there is an aspect of that. This is more a reference to the 'synergy' with which God harmonizes the ultimate outcome of all things. We must not lose sight of God's goal for us in this respect. God has established as a priority that we be refined for his service in this life and for His eternal presence in the next. It is this process of perfection, our own sanctification, that is the chief aim of His harmonizing all things for the good; it is for the greatest good, not for the lesser good.

Consider the manner in which God prepares us for noble purposes. The ultimate aim is not only sanctification for our heavenly existence but also that we may be ever increased in our ability to serve Him by serving one another. We need look no further than

2 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)
⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

to understand how this works. God has revealed this to us that we may understand and make best use of the opportunities presented us by adversity and suffering.

I would be remiss not to acknowledge that this 'promise' is not about all people. It is specifically reserved for "those who love him." I contend that there are many who 'love' with only their mouths. This promise is not for them. I base this understanding on the words of Christ as found in

John 14:21 (NIV)
²¹ Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”

Perhaps this is a hard saying but it nevertheless true. Lip service is not love. Obedience in thought, word and deed is a fundamental requirement that we may receive all the blessings which God has prepared for us.

Lastly, there is the matter of "called according to his purpose." The fact of the matter is that God has invited mankind to a party. It's not just a voice calling from the wilderness "here I am." It is a personal invitation delivered by messenger that a great feast has been laid out. The accommodations are lavish all those who love the Lord will be there. Of course, that means that Jesus will be there! Those who accept the invitation and prepare themselves accordingly are those that have been called according to his purpose. They will be inside with the full realization of how everything in their life was for that moment alone. They understand the view from 30,000 feet.

As his obedient disciples then we may take comfort in knowing, intuitively and experientially that no matter what obstacles, constraints or opposition we face, no matter how evilly intended for our destruction, our God will use those things for our ultimate perfection. In this we may rejoice!

In His Grip,

Carl