God’s appointed time

Last week, we introduced two frameworks for interpreting history: biblical and humanist.   In humanism, history is the story of what humanity can achieve on its own.  The biblical view, in contrast, teaches us that God acts within human history where God reveals Himself through human events.   It is God’s story.

In God’s appointed time (kairos) the activities of mankind were fitted into God’s plan.  A few examples include the return of Israel from foreign exile (Isaiah 45:1), Jesus Christ’s birth and crucifixion (Genesis 3:15; Daniel 9:26).  Humanity established the societal and political means by which God’s will would be realized.  Governments were established and practices created that would allow God’s plan to unfold.

Are we continuing to live in God’s kairos time?  Looking back, where have we seen God’s imprint on history?  Today, is God revealing Himself in the plans of mankind?   Looking to the future, is God moving us to another appointed time?  The answer to these questions is a resounding, “yes”.

God’s story is the story of the World

The idea that the story of God is the story of the world supports the biblical view that history is not a series of random events, but purposeful.  History is viewed as “His-story” with a beginning (Creation) and final conclusion (New Creation).  Unlike cyclical views of history where events just repeat, God’s story is headed to a specific goal—restoration of the world and our relationship with God.

The Bible captures God’s story and involvement in the world as He restores what was broken by human rebellion.  Below captures the most prevalent explanations.

• • Creation: God creates the world and humanity for relationship and for flourishing.
  • Fall: Humanity’s rebellion introduced sin, suffering, and brokenness into the entire world.
  • Redemption: God initiated a plan to reclaim the world through Jesus Christ.
  • Restoration (or New Creation): God restores the world to its original harmony and dwells with His people.

Our role is God’s story

We are the key characters in God’s story.  God’s beloved creatures and recipients of His love and grace.   Hopefully, understanding God’s story, we will reframe how we view our lives.  We begin to understand that life only makes sense when founded on God’s redemptive story.

Instead of focusing on our own independent stories, we will embrace the fact that we are part of a larger story, authored by God the Father.  We join God in his mission of restoration and stewardship.

In review of God’s story, we can begin to answer fundamental questions about our personal identity.

• Who am I? We are children of God and created in the image of God.  (1 John 3:12)
• Why am I here? To participate in the building of God’s Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 3:9)
• Where am I going? To a better hope and glory with God. (Romans 15:13)

Knowing God’s story can answer persistent questions concerning not only our life but the lives of those around us, including our nation.  It also is the entry point for God to provide His power, His provision, and His presence.  Understanding God’s story will reduce the fear and anxiety created by living in 21^st century reality.