“. . .But now we see not yet all things put under Him. But, we see Jesus. . .”
Hebrews 2:8c-9a
Instead of focusing on the “Great Not Yet,” we should always look to Him, Who is the “Great Now Is.”
Fragmented. Fractured. Broken into pieces.
If we’re honest, that’s what we see when we look around us—and when we look into the mirror. Such is the nature of life here on terra firma. And, no amount of rose-colored glasses, positive thinking and Pollyanna faith can deny that.
Babies dying of cancer. Marriages falling apart. The money running out before the month does. The washer breaking down with six loads of clothes still to do and no money to repair it.
Yes, we truly live in a fallen world.
Where sin abounds.
And fickle flesh joins forces with the hosts of hell to hound those called “Pilgrims of the Way.”
Yet, in the midst of it all. . .when perplexity is about to give way to despair. . .faith must lift high its shield “to quench the fiery darts of the wicked” (Eph. 6:16) and declare “I know in Whom I have believed and I am persuaded (convinced beyond the shadow of a doubt) that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that Day” (II Tim. 1:12b).
Only then can we give the Victor’s “Shout of Victory” (Ps. 73:25; II Cor. 4:7-9).
And, only then can we boldly declare “Nay, in all these things I am more than a conqueror through Him that loved me” (Rom. 8:37). Hallelujah!!
Truly, the key in all of this is to keep “looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of your faith” (Heb. 12:2). It’s “casting down imaginations (speculations) and anything that keeps you from seeing God’s Face and bringing every thought under Jesus’ Lordship” (II Cor. 10:5).
And, that can only happen when we quit looking at the “Great Not Yet” in the newspaper headlines and evening news and focus on Jesus, the “Great I Am Who Is.” Things looked pretty bleak that day when He died on the Cross; yet, three days later He gave a death notice to Death (Heb. 2:14-15) and gave Hope “as a sure and steadfast Anchor of the soul” (Heb. 6:17-20) to everyone who places their trust in Him and Him alone.
Where are you right now, Pilgrim? Are you living in Ps. 142:4c (“no man cared for my soul”) or Ps. 27:1 (“The Lord is my Light and my Salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”)?
Your answer depends upon your focus—and your faith. Things may be rough right now and “feasting has given way to famine” (Gen. 40:30, 54-55a). But, do not fear; instead, “cast all your cares upon the Lord Jesus” (I Pet. 5:7), knowing He is a “very PRESENT HELP in trouble” (Ps. 46:1). Trust Him.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated May 22, 2010
