The conversation above, which occurred within the sacred precincts of the divine council in eternity past, is one of the most fascinating scenes found in Scripture. These four sentences outline the Grand Plan for mankind formulated “even before the world was made.” (Ephesians 1:4 GNB)
God’s declaration—His decree, His stated purpose—set into motion everything mankind has ever known or experienced. The material universe was created for the sole purpose of providing a stage, a backdrop, for the enacting of God’s sovereign will for the human race. The formation of Israel, the Law and the Prophets, and, most of all, the advent of the Messiah were all part of the Plan.
The prophet Daniel was also taken back in spirit into eternity past and allowed to witness this divine interaction take place. He wrote, “I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. And to Him was given dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations and men of every language might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:13-14)
When Jesus walked this earth, He certainly understood His part in God’s strategy. He said, “All things have been handed over to Me by My Father…” (Matthew 11:27) “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.” (Matthew 28:18) “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand.” (John 3:35)
According to the apostle Paul, “God did what he had purposed, and made known to us the secret plan he had already decided to complete by means of Christ. This plan, which God will complete when the time is right, is to bring all creation together, everything in heaven and on earth, with Christ as head.” (Ephesians 1:9-10 GNB)
All of God’s purposes have been challenged and opposed every step of the way by Satan and those who serve his interests. As we shall see tomorrow, the Lord’s generous offer to mankind has largely been met with hostility and disdain. Though mankind rages against God’s authority, seeks to stamp out every vestige of Christianity, and, at times, has even attempted to destroy every single copy of the Bible, the Lord reigns sovereign over the affairs of man.
God has a Grand Plan for mankind and He is calmly and systematically implementing it, in spite of people’s opposition or lack of interest. Everything is unfolding exactly as He purposed from the very beginning.
What a reassuring word this is to us who will probably be alive to witness rebellious mankind’s final insurrection against God and His Anointed at Armageddon. We need not fear because God has a Plan and, whether man or devil resists it, the Lord will accomplish His good purposes!