“Yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things,
and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things,
and through whom we live”
(1 Corinthians 8:6).
Paul says that for us believers “there is one God.” That contrasts with the thousands of gods of the heathen, which are false or non-existent. Ours is true and eternal. This God created all things, including life, which He also sustains, maintains, and protects (Col. 1:17; Heb. 2:10).
Unlike the other non-existent gods whose anger must be placated, or their favor won over, ours presents Himself as Father, which makes the bond closer. He does not relate to us only as Creator-creature, Worshiped-worshiper, Sustainer-sustained, Protector-protected; but also in a Father-child relationship. He is a Father who can do anything, is everywhere, knows everything, loves, sympathizes, and is affectively and effectively close.
The heathen said there were many gods; for Christians, there is only One. Through the Son all things were created, and through His sacrifice we are redeemed, recreated, saved, and adopted. We cannot do anything; He is the only One who can do it all. In the New Testament, this Father is the “heavenly Father”; Paul says that for us He is “our Father” (Rom. 1:17; 1 Cor. 1:3; Eph. 1:2; 4:20; Col. 1:2; 1 Thess. 1:1-3; 3:11-13; 2 Thess. 1:1; 2:16; 1 Tim. 1:2; Phil. 1:3).
Pastor Fernando Stahl (1874-1950) and his family, dedicated pioneer missionaries in Bolivia and Peru, arrived in Queñoani, Peru, near the border with Bolivia. One day, a mob of about five hundred men, armed with whips, stones, and clubs, instigated by religious leaders and authorities, attacked the hut where the missionaries were. They were incited to kill them with the promise that it would be an honor to do away with the heretics, and that they would suffer no consequences. There was a shout: “Pichantañani Catuñani!” (“Grab them and burn them!”). But suddenly, they all fled terrified.
A native, still frightened, said, “Can’t you see that huge group of armed natives who are coming to defend you?”
It is wonderfully comforting to remember that the God who created us from nothing continues performing miracles to care for and sustin the lives of His children. It is even more wonderful to know that He surrounds us with His strong arms as a Father. While the accuser seeks our death, our Defender sustains our lives.
Even if five hundred people surround your hut, even if the fire
is lit and the mob rages, even if the enemy wants to apprehend you
and burn your faith, your dreams, and your life, keep going!
Live faithfully, remembering that we were created and redeemed
by the eternal God. Because of Him we exist and because of Him,
very soon, we will live forever.
God bless you, you were wonderfully created by Him…