Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20 KJV)
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Heb 12:2 KJV)
An optical lens has a 'prime focus'. It is generally the place where something viewed is portrayed most clearly.
The prime focus of God is to know, love and enjoy us, and us Him, forever. This is from the Westminster Catechism, an influential historic staement of faith.
Jesus rightly placed the prime focus on the positive. The disciples were excited about the fact that demons submitted to them. Jesus told them to be most conscious rather of the fact that they had eternal life with him and the Father.
The aim of ministry is firstly mediation and reconcilaition between God and man.
The verse from Hebrews shows us that Jesus did not die primarily to prove something, but for 'joy set before him'. What was the joy? It was not firstly to be seated at the right hand of the Father, for he came from heaven anyway. No, it was firstly for the joy of intimate fellowship with us! The forgiveness of sins is wonderful and wonderful to experience. But the aim, the focus, the purpose of the cross is so God can justly fellowship with us!
Isn't it exciting that the God of the universe, the God of all wonder and mystery, loves us so much that he went to these lengths to know us, father us, and befriend us. So why should we worry about provision, whether physical or emotional?
He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? (Rom 8:32 KJV)
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