This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you. (Titus 1:5 ESV)
Order
Some days it seems the world has gone wild.
That, perhaps, is the scariest part of watching the news, surfing the internet, or conversing with friends. Chaos is more loud than security. Chaos is more visible than normalcy. Chaos is more prevalent than order.
But the One True Living God brings order to this universe. Sin’s chaos, was instituted by Asam and Eve in the Garden, and grew more powerful and dangerous right up to the point of the cross.
And through the cross, God restored order.
Sin’s chaos was defeated through Christ’s atoning work. Sin’s power was defeated through Christ’s atoning work. Sin’s punishment was defeated through Christ’s atoning work. Sin’s presence was negated through Christ’s atoning work.
We might notice the remnants of chaos more than we notice God’s order, but our eyesight is blurred. We might suffer under the remnants of chaos more than we find joy in God’s order, but our understanding is muted. We might worry under the remnants of chaos more than find peace in God’s order, but our trust is weak.
As the apostle Paul brought order to his world through bringing the power of the gospel, he illustrated that order through the organization of the church. The gospel changed lives, and the gospel brought order.
God continues to do that all around us. Throughout history, as roads extend and improve, travel becomes safer and easier. Medical knowledge and increased resources have improved and increased life expectancy. Communication technology has sped response time to emergencies, and enabled assistance and help in crises. And all of these have paved the Gospel’s way so that the numbers of the redeemed is astonishingly growing, worldwide.
Noticing the order in our church, world, nation, city, and family brings gratitude instead of fear. Noticing the order brings gratitude instead of complacency. Noticing the order brings gratitude instead of anger.
Be thankful for God’s order.