John 11:48 “If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.”

On one level this is an absolutely astounding statement for religious leaders to make, but on another level, if we see them as political leaders, they could be clones of some of the people in the news today. On a religious basis, they have just acknowledged that Jesus was performing miraculous signs. You would think that would make them want to know more about Him and follow Him themselves. However, religion was just window dressing for them; they were really politicians at heart. As such, their primary concern was for their own position, influence, and authority, with no real concern for what was actually right and even best for those under their authority. We see that going on every day in the news. The good thing is, even though they did horrible things for the worst reasons, God was still in control, and the redemption of all mankind was accomplished. We aren’t to stop opposing evil people, exposing their activities for what they are, but at the same time we are to trust God to bring good out of whatever transpires. It seems unthinkable that Assad is using poison gas against children and babies, but God can use even that to bring about His purposes. The world is indeed a messed up place, but God is still God, and we haven’t seen the end of it all yet.

This is something I have known intellectually for a long time, on the basis both of Romans 8:28 and my own experience, but it can be hard to remember. I’ll never forget watching the second plane hit the World Trade Center on live news. The man on the scene reporting the first plane strike was facing the camera and didn’t see it, and the people in the studio here in Japan were crying out in horror. I was too. God used even that horrible incident to bring about the repentance of many, and more miracles took place that day and in the days following than we will know. Sadly, the repentance didn’t stick for all too many people, but the fault there was certainly not with God. I am to seek God all the time, but particularly when events seem bad. I am to remember that He will allow nothing that He can’t turn around to use for good, (Romans 8:28) and trust and praise Him. That isn’t always easy by any means, but the more I do it, the more I will grow in faith as His child, for His glory.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Help me remember, and proclaim, that we wouldn’t have Easter without Good Friday. Help me be a carrier of faith to all, so that as many as will may repent and believe, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!