Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. are — I. UNLIMITED IN THEIR SWEEP. "All things." This is a bold assertion. We can understand how many things work together for good. Critical epochs in the world's history, important reforms in national life, occasional afflictions in the domestic circle, but are there not innumerable petty details in life that are beneath God's notice? No; "all things," near and remote, great and small; all substances necessary for the growth of the body, all forces necessary for the development of the mind, all influences necessary for the perfection of our spiritual nature. 1. All the provisions of nature are destined for the good of God's children. God made the world for our abode, and furnished it for our accommodation. For us the sun shines, the wind blows, the birds carol. 2. All the provisions of grace. The Sabbath, the sanctuary, the Scriptures. God the Father, who created us, watches over our steps; God the Son, who redeemed us, lives to intercede for us; God the Holy Ghost, who dwells with us, enlightens and sanctifies us. II. HARMONIOUS IN THEIR DESIGN. "Work together." 1. Changes in the history of nations work together for good. The devout student has no difficulty in recognising the hand of God in the past. He regards the bondage of Israel, the crucifixion of Christ, the fall of the Roman Empire, and the dark periods of the world's history as necessary links in the chain of God's providential dealings. The future is as surely in God's hand as the past. Light shall triumph over darkness, and good over evil. God's hand is upon the wheel of providence; and when His work is complete, we shall say, "He hath done all things well." 2. Changes in the history of individuals. There is a special as well as a general supervision of human affairs. Look at the life of Moses, and Joseph, and David. Little events are the hinges upon which great events turn. The steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord. III. BENEVOLENT IN THEIR AIM. "For good," not for our prosperity. Prosperity may, or may not, be a good thing. Not for our happiness. Happiness is not the highest attainment in the Christian life. God's aim is the perfection of our spiritual nature. The discipline through which God leads us may be dark and inexplicable, but it is always for the best. As winter prepares the way for spring, and spring opens the door for summer, and summer ripens the golden harvest, so the darkest and most trying dispensations of God's providence are working together for good to them that love God. 1. Sickness is often designed for our good. The mind may become dark, and need enlightening; the heart hard, and need softening; the life barren, and need pruning. 2. Bereavement. It is good for those who are taken to be "present with the Lord." It is good for those who remain if it solemnises their thoughts and sanctifies their soul. God will be a friend to the friendless, and a husband to the widow. IV. DISCRIMINATING IN THEIR APPLICATION. The promise is not to the wise, or the strong, or the courageous, but to "them that love God." Providence is for the righteous; it is against the wicked. Love manifests itself — 1. In practical service. The loving heart makes the diligent hand. 2. In a submissive spirit. When adversity comes, a man who loves God says, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away," etc. When affliction overtakes him, he says, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." When persecution arises, he says, "Not my will, but Thine be done." The more perfectly we know God, the more implicitly we shall trust Him. God is wise, and cannot err; He is good, and will not. V. MANIFEST IN THEIR RESULTS. The apostle does not say, "I hope," or "I think," but "we know." This assurance is in perfect harmony — 1. With the promises of God's Word. David says, "No good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly." Moses says, "And as thy day, so shall thy strength be." Christ says, "Lo! I am with you alway, even unto the end." God says, " My grace is sufficient for thee." 2. With the experiences of God's children. It was a dark day in the experience of Moses when his mother could no longer hide him; but God watched over him, and preserved him from harm. It was a dark day in the experience of Joseph when his brethren east him into a pit; but God was "with Joseph," and led him from prison to a throne. It was a dark day in the experience of the disciples when Christ was crucified; but His sufferings were the purchase of their salvation. (J. T. Woodhouse.) Parallel Verses KJV: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. |
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