Plans B through Z

Today's readings:
Psalm 119:1-24, Deuteronomy 1:1-18, Romans 9:1-18, Matthew 23:27-39

What do we mean when we talk about “God’s plan?” Do we believe it’s designed like a cosmic computer program executing every command in a pre-determined order? Or is it more like a set of assembly instructions from Ikea: “Here’s a picture of what you should end up with. Good luck!” Does it even fit our mortal definition of “plan?” Today’s readings teach us one thing: God's plan is bigger than any single person.

Deuteronomy opens with the Israelites preparing to enter the promised land of Canaan. These are not the same Israelites God freed from the captivity of Egypt; they lost faith along the way, so God prohibited them from entering Canaan. The next generation had to wait for them to die before seeing the fulfillment of God’s plan. Certainly some individuals must have felt disappointed or even angry, but the plan was to deliver the nation of Israel, and so He did – if not exactly in the expected manner.

In his letter to the Romans, Paul expresses great sorrow for the people of Israel who do not recognize Jesus as the Christ. He also recognizes that God’s plan is moving forward despite their unbelief. He compares the Gentiles who have faith in Christ to the patriarch Jacob. Jacob, the younger brother of Esau, twice received his brother’s inheritance through trickery. The Gentiles are like Jacob not because they are deceitful, but because they have become the unexpected vehicle for moving God’s plan forward.

For the most part, we are happier when we feel we have some sort of control over our lives. Living and working according to a perceived plan can give us that sense of control. Where do we find happiness if that plan falls apart, and our expectations are derailed? We can find happiness because no service we offer to the Lord is in vain. Maybe we can even find some relief by admitting the success of the capital-P Plan does not rest solely on our shoulders. Like the Israelites, we may be paving the way for the next generation. Or like Esau, we may find fulfillment and forgiveness by embracing the path left to us. Or maybe our part in the plan is vital but so subtle even we don't notice. Our faith and happiness can’t depend on the limited successes we can comprehend, but on the assurance that God’s plan will find its way. A change in plan doesn’t mean we have failed – it means God continues to succeed!


Comfort: Even when we can't see how, God's plan is finding a way.


Challenge: Take a long walk with no destination but moving toward God. If you are unable to walk physically, use your imagination or guided imagery.


Prayer: Gracious and Merciful God, grow in me the wisdom to abide in your plan.

Evening readings:
Psalms 12, 13, 14