Verse of the Day 8/17

Verse of the Day 8/17

Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.   English Standard Version (ESV)

As I mentioned yesterday, the read through the New Testament plan that I'm following has been going through the book of Romans, definitely one of my favorite books in the Bible.  Today's verse at the end of chapter 11 brings the "teaching" portion of the book to a close with an Amen!  Basically saying, so be it, end of discussion.  The rest of the book goes into the application of what has been taught in the previous chapters.

This verse makes it pretty clear of what is important.  We may tend to think that the world revolves around us.  Even if we don't admit it, our actions will show the degree to which this is true.   Pastor James MacDonald reminds us of what we see in this verse and it is the starting point, the launching pad for what follows in the final chapters when he  writes, "all things are "from him"—the source of our lives—"and through him"—the agency of how our lives are sustained—"and to him"—the goal of where our lives are going (Romans 11:36)—that "he is before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17)—that He brought us here, keeps us here, and is taking us toward a good and purposeful result."

Since God is all these things shouldn't He play a more prominent, no, the lead  role  in our lives?  The Message in verse 33 below asks us "Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom?"  If the answer is no, we should make every effort, strive to glory in Him and to bring Him glory with our lives.  After all...

Everything comes from him;
Everything happens through him;
Everything ends up in him.    (The Message)

1. Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
   Praise Him, all creatures here below;
   Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
   Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.   Amen
   

--   In Christ,  Mike    Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com  Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,  in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV    

Romans 11:36The Message (MSG)

^33-36 Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out.

Is there anyone around who can explain God?
Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?
Anyone who has done him such a huge favor
    that God has to ask his advice?
Everything comes from him;
Everything happens through him;
Everything ends up in him.
Always glory! Always praise!
    Yes. Yes. Yes.