If Only They Knew.

Cast your imagination with me more than 2000 years ago as Jesus hangs on the cross gasping for breath. It is a sight of great victory if you are among those shouting, ‘Crucify Him, Crucify Him.’ In fact, it is more than a victory if you are on the side of the fallen angels, in the world we cannot see, clamoring for more bloodshed. Clamoring for God’s defeat so that they can rule however they wish. Turning this world into a global lion’s arena where all sorts of men, women, and children can be tossed in at their whim. After all, isn’t that power in the sight of the devil? Complete dominance over another as was the sight of the beaten and forsaken Saviour on the cross? Isn’t that what he inspires now as our world is under the control of the most wicked of men caring little about the beaten and forsaken people living on the streets?

But look again at that scene of cheering demons and notice a strange shift. As Christ’s head falls, and His body is wrapped. Three days later a boom echoes in the spiritual world and the emotions change. No more are they cheering and celebrating the death of one so innocent, but fear has gripped them, utter terror, and the realization that defeat was theirs.

There is a verse in the bible that always confused me a lot. And it is found in 1 Corinthians 2:7-8. “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” Basically saying that if the princes (demons) of this world knew the victory of God for us that would be accomplished on the cross, they would not have crucified Jesus. They would have ignored Him altogether and let Him live to a ripe old age without casting a single evil word His way.

But how come? Wasn’t that the plan all along? Or was it really such a mystery that even the fallen angels couldn’t understand the purposes of God?

Yet, how could they understand it if we couldn’t as well? Not even the leaders of the churches at that time understood Jesus’ mission in the world. Not even the disciples thought that Christ came as a suffering servant to die for the world. And even in today’s world, very few understand the joy of salvation.

Going back to that scene always fills me with awe over God. Cheers, clamor, boasting, and pride so quickly turned into the deepest depths of despair. As a Holy Angel declares with a loud voice, “…Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” (Revelation 5:12). God won a victory that day that not even Lucifer for all his cunning could not see coming. And it was so simple in its brilliance. So wonderful in its completeness. And so free in its holiness.

Jesus died for us to give us life and power and glory far greater than the fallen angels even had before their fall. Why? Because God become man, and united himself with us in a bond that is not easily broken. But more than that, God finally proved the devil wrong. He proved His kindness and the justice of the law. He even proved why He is God, and none other, because only He can melt the heart of stone and bring about salvation. While the devil called Him harsh and cruel for not sharing His power, God bent down to the beaten and forsaken race of man and lifted them up from tragedy with His own blood. Yet all these the devil caused so he could use that power to destroy. But Jesus touched the leper. He kissed the children. He defended the harlot. He raised a mother’s only son. He called Zacchaeus to supper. And reminded Peter that he was still loved. Jesus brought an end to sin, for the sake of all the joy and love that is His nature. For the sake of the joy and happiness of His creatures.

Philippians 2:6-11 “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

And yet the message goes on…

 “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Why continue that first phrase with this ending?

Cast your imagination with me again to the scene just before the coming of Jesus Christ. Evil men with proud smiles upon their faces, lavished with ill-gotten wealth, stepping on the poor without mercy, and indulging themselves with all their sinful desires; until… Just as it was in the past, it will be again in the future. And those who think now that they are winning a great victory by continuing in sin, taking advantage of others, will be hit with the cruel revelation that it was all for their defeat. Then it would be said as it was in the past, ‘if only they knew.’

If only they knew what rich treasures God had in store for those who loved Him, they would never have sinned. If only they knew the blessing of salvation in a world without sin or temptation, they would never have sinned. Just as the evil angels would never have crucified Jesus if they knew; if men knew now what is waiting for them in paradise, they would never even cherish a single lie. But we cannot see the future, and cannot compel another to cast their eyes on that hope. But to think and imagine that there is such glory awaiting God’s elect; that is of the same shocking value as the despair felt by the devil when he lost his hold on our world and mankind, is mind-numbing. To be there with palm leaves in your hands, a crown on your head, the savior by your side, singing and flying, and not an ounce of misery, fear, or doubt; while you watch the endless ages of life unfold before you… It is mind-numbing.

So I reckoned that this was a powerful hope and warning. Let it not be said of you, ‘If only you knew’ because what despair. Remember now that what seems like defeat in this world, is a great victory in the world to come. Many have gladly died for the truth, knowing the promises of God are sure and true. How much more must we with diligence keep watching to keep ourselves free of temptation? Remembering that it will be such a great victory that even the fallen angels will never share in.

Therefore, do not despair in the face of challenges you who are beaten and forsaken; but cling to God as air clings to our lungs. Seeing as there is a promise that if we knew now, we would never sin or cherish a single lie.

Be blessed!