His Infinite Grace · Saturday, April 14th by Pastor Chris

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him (Acts 10:38).

There’re those who believe God in His fierce anger against those who are not saved brings painful experiences such as poverty and sickness on them as judgement. But that’s not what the Bible shows. Our opening scripture didn’t say "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of God…." Rather, it says He "…went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil…." God’s nature is goodness and love. He never made anybody sick, broken, or afflicted; rather, He always seeks to heal, save, and bless.
Afflictions are the devil’s tools, and our heavenly Father wouldn’t use such vices to teach or correct anybody. He uses the Word instead. Hurtful and painful experiences are the devil’s orchestration; he afflicts men with sickness and pains, most times, to distract them from receiving the Gospel: "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them" (2 Corinthians 4:4). This doesn’t necessarily mean the devil is responsible for all sicknesses, but he is the remote cause.
But thanks be unto God, who always works out the means for men to be saved. Titus 2:11 says, "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men." That grace is infinite. The salvation of man is God’s idea; that’s why He sent Jesus to be the Captain of our salvation and propitiation for our sins. God’s desire is to have all men saved. He has special angels assigned for this task; to take advantage of any situation, even those orchestrated by Satan, and guide men everywhere into situations where they can receive the Gospel. Hebrews 1:14 alludes to this: "Are they (angels) not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
Many have received salvation in very difficult circumstances; because of angelic activities and the divine orchestration of the Lord "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth" (1Timothy 2:4).
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for your love and great grace manifested in Christ Jesus. I pray for the lost and oppressed today, that you’ll send labourers across their paths who’ll communicate the truth of the Gospel to them, and that the eyes of their understanding be enlightened so they can see the truth of God’s Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
f u r t h e r s t u d y: Romans 5:8; 3 John 1:2; Ephesians 1:18-19