Providence!

And in Him, we were also chosen. We were destined to live to the glory of God, His purpose, by His will, so that we who were the first to set our hopes on Christ might live for the praise of His glory. Epheisians 1:11

This past week, the world resounded with shock as we woke up early Monday morning and learned of the death of Pope Francis! Just the day before we saw him ride through the crowds on the “Pope mobile”, touch the hands of many, and give an Easter address in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican. He seemingly ignored the advice of his doctors to avoid crowds and rest. Although he appeared visibly weak, his determinationto do God’s will and bless these people one last time was foremost on Easter Sunday. It is reported that his only regret was not being able to wash the feet of prisoners during his final visit.

We make all kinds of assumptioms as to the timing of his death. Many say it was a coincidence, maybe it was fate, or just luck that he died after he had taken, what I call, a “victory lap” on that Holy Day.

We tend to use words to try to explain things we don’t understand, however; there are three words that should never be in a Christian’s vocabulary: luck, coincidence, and fate. We should replace them instead with the word, Providence, which means to see in advance and to provide for. The word generally refers to divine guidance or care, and it usually describes prudence and fore sight. I think God’s providence was at work in his life and in his death.

The Westminister Confession of Faith written in the seventeenth century states: God, the great creator of all things, doth uphold, direct, dispose, and govern all creatures, actions, and things from the greatest even to the least by His most wise and holy providence. Basically, God is in charge – not us!

Many of us can look back on our lives and see the hand of God’s providence in many situations. It could be a road taken, a decision that was made, or even an incident that had the profound hand of providence upon us. Peter Marshall was saved by tripping on a tree root when he was walking near a cliff on a foggy night, Randy changed his life’s path after a near death car accident, and a handful of people stepped out in faith to build a new church. These are situations where we see God’s providential hand.

God’s providence stands over and above our actions. Even Joseph was the recipient of God’s providence when he was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery. His brothers tried to destroy him, but instead their efforts put him on the throne of Egypt and fulfilled God’s will. Later Joseph said, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result.” Genesis 50:20

Then there is the most heinous act of Judas’ betrayal of Christ which turned out to be about the best thing that ever happened – Christ’s atonement for our sins on the cross.

We, as human beings, have a limited perspective of the providence of God. Paul points out that we know “only in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9). When we get to heaven God may explain it all – or not. Until then we are left to just trust Him.

Often I have not known where I was going until I was already there. I have had my shares of desires and goals, but my life has come to me or I have gone to it mainly by ways of mistakes or surprises. Often I have received better than I deserved. Often my faintest hopes have rested on bad mistakes. I am an ignorant pilgrim crossing a dark valley. And yet, for a long time looking back, I have been unable to shake off the feeling that I have been led. Wendell Berry from his book, Jayber Crow

When we look back over our lives, I think the paths we have taken will be full of the providential hand of God. Rest in peace, Pope Francis, and thank you for being a man of faith and compassion.