For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Corinthians 8:6
Most glorious and gracious Lord, I’ve always admired and appreciated people who are able to “cut to the chase,” no matter what the topic is. Just give me an accurate summation, a comprehensive distillation… an “in-a-nutshell, bottom-line, “here’s-the-skinny” overview of the issue and I’m am greatly thankful. The apostle Paul has done precisely that for me in this one remarkable verse of Scripture.
Truly, there is no other God but you, and with immeasurable kindness, you have chosen to relate to us as the Father from whom all fatherhood derives its meaning (Ephesians 3:14). You’re not simply the best father there ever was, you are quintessential father. Everything comes from you, everything. My first breath, my next breath… my first heartbeat… my last heartbeat. You were a great Creator before you became a generous Redeemer. There’s nothing that I have that I didn’t receive from you (1 Corinthians 4:7). It is for you that I live… I say this by faith, desiring an even greater manifestation by my life.
Truly, there is no other Lord but you, Jesus. You are the Christ… the promised and present Savior. Through you, the Father effected creation… through you he granted salvation… through you he’s sustaining all things… and through you he’ll complete his great story of redemption and restoration. It is through you that I live, and move and have my being, Jesus. Autonomy is a pernicious myth, self-salvation a demonic lie. I have been justified… I am being sanctified… and I will be glorified… by faith alone (the faith you give me) and by grace alone (the grace you give me).
And God the Holy Spirit, I see these things, understand these things and believe these things because of your powerful and persistent work. Though you are the most silent member of the Godhead, you are so very present. And so very Amen, I pray today, in Jesus’ peerless name… to the glory of the Triune God!
