Dissection Day
by Jane Josephs
“For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” –Romans 8:28
Years ago, when I was in high school, Biology was a required course. And I remember dreading what I called “Dissection Day,” the session where we would be given a scalpel and a worm. Yuck.
Thankfully I don’t feel the same about dissecting God’s Word. Methodically taking apart sections of Scripture in order to analyze it more deeply and to hear from the Holy Spirit is my idea of fun. So today, I invite you to grab your scalpel and do some dissecting with me on Romans 8:28.
I’m going to first cut up this verse into five sections and underline what jumps out at me:
And we know
That in all things
God works for the good
Of those who love Him
And have been called according to His purpose.
The word know implies knowledge, experience, relationship, and intimacy; and begs the question: what do we know? The answer is in the next line: “in all things”. No matter what is happening in our lives, God is involved. He’s always at work. A few verses later in this chapter the Apostle Paul affirms us, saying, “If God is for us, who can be against us” and “Jesus is forever making intercession for us” (Rom. 8:31, 34). He knows the end from the beginning. He sees the puzzle that is our life in its entirety. And He’s arranging the pieces to fit together perfectly.
The fourth line: “…of those who love Him,” again implies relationship: “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). He’s holding us in His arms, safe and secure. He’s also “called” us “according to His purpose.” We are the chosen ones, followers of the Most High God. While God is working on the details we embrace the big picture: His purpose and ours. What is He calling me to do in my current situation?
As you might have guessed, this verse is special to me. In my own life I’ve dissected it often to remind me that God is in control. I hope you’ve found it to be a comfort in your life too. God knows and cares about you. For now, class dismissed. Go in peace and serve the Lord!
Dear Lord, I thank and praise You for Your faithfulness and Your abiding love. Help us today to fix our eyes on You and trust in Your goodness and greatness. Deepen our love for You and for our neighbor. In Your name we pray, Amen.