“For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].”
(Eph 2:10, AMPL)
This Scripture should lay any remaining disputes concerning dead good works to rest. Such an amazing mystery is encapsulated within it. When you have wrestled through the fact “that you are called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28), a life of obedience unfolds where you only do what you have seen Him do. Everything has, after all, already been done – you only have to walk in it.
Please grant me an extra tinge of the spiritual imaginary – I trust that it will demonstrate an element needed to bring home this astounding truth. It could happen the day following the healing at the bath of Bethesda. Early morning, while Jesus visits his Dad.
Dad, it’s as if this morning I am constantly reminded of something I had told the disciples yesterday. I know it’s the truth, but it is as if I’m not quite grasping the full implications of it. Do you remember – I had told them what You had said – “The Father loves the Son and has shown him everything he does. The Father will show him even greater things, and you will be amazed.” But I don’t really understand it.
What’s bothering you, Son?
If You have already done all things, and only show them to us so that we may complete them, what are the greater works that You said You would show me so that the people will be in awe of what I can do?
Why do you think I only healed one man yesterday?
Because I guess You’re free to do as You please?
You should know by now that that is not true. I may be sovereign, but all my decisions are centered on that which makes all things work together for the good, although people might sometimes see it as being unfair or petty. I cannot be anything but good, Son. And it is my desire to restore My glory on earth. I have long been dreaming of the knowledge of the glory of the Lord stretching across the earth as the waters of the sea …
Dad?
All that happened in earlier times, with Moses, and Samson, and David, and yes, all that you are doing here, are dress rehearsals for what lies ahead when the New Covenant has come. Do you remember who was the high priest restoring the Sheep Gate in the time of Nehemiah?
I think it was Eliashib, Dad.
And what does his Name mean? ‘God will restore’, remember? What would I restore for the sake of the sheep? What does the book of Isaiah prophesy about Bethesda, Son, and about the waters of Siloa?
Hang on a second there, Dad! Isaiah had said of this pool – “And you made a place between the two walls for storing the waters of the old pool: but you gave no thought to him who had done this, and were not looking to him by whom it had been purposed long before.” And of the waters of Siloa that flow within it – “These people have refused the gentle waters of Shiloah.”
How long were Israel in the desert after they had received the law, Son? Exactly thirty-eight years. How old was the man who had waited for the Messiah’s opened fountain of healing? And in the Hebrew gematria the number 38 means: ‘His glory’ ‘His heart’ and ‘The Lord has made his goodness known. And Zech 12:10 also came to pass. (He smiles). That’s what happened yesterday, Son.”
- Sela and memorise: All the scriptures woven into the earlier paragraphs.
