2013-04-25 - Credentials

Omni-Present

1 Peter 1:20 It is true that He was chosen and foreordained (destined and foreknown for it) before the foundation of the world, but He was brought out to public view (made manifest) in these last days (at the end of the times) for the sake of you. (AMP)

Peter is using Jesus' authority to explain the power of what was done on our behalf. He is sharing his Messiah's credentials, at least in part, in that process. There are several pieces in this one verse. One that is easily missed - "before the foundation of the world". This phrase is also present in "everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world" (Rev 13:8). The Lamb's Book of Life exists and is filled before the world was created. That clearly indicates that the Lamb of God existed as well. The plan for our salvation was laid out before as well. All three persons of the Trinity live outside of time. Time itself was created as part of creation for our benefit. Gen 1:5 ends the explanation of "the first day." Quite literally this is the beginning of time.

Omni-Present is generally understood to be able to be everywhere at one time. In Psalm 139:7 David asks, "Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence?" (AMP) How true this is if God is indeed able to be everywhere at any given time. Before Adam and Eve were created God knew they would sin and need a Savior - the Lamb. He calls Himself the Alpha and the Omega - the beginning and the end. He knows the end of things from the beginning. We do not and must walk this road of life through time. But nothing we do surprises our Lord. He has already seen what we will do and not do. That means He is also every when! Only after judgment will God remove His presence from one place for the remainder of eternity. Otherwise He is present at all places and all times.

He knows when we get up in the morning, when we close our eyes to sleep at night and everything in between. And with all our struggles, failures and victories loves us more than we can know and wants the best for us. When we get a better picture of Who He is it makes the privilege we have to come to Him with our praise and requests more clear.

Lord - when we begin to understand Your power and authority and then realize what was done for each one of us and the place You have given us - we should be speechless with amazement. Amen.

Grace & Peace,
Mike

jmhoskins@gmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org