God does not allow man to usurp

His power, but uses man to accomplish His purposes. Like the story of

Joseph sold into slavery by his own brothers, men meant it for evil, but

God meant it for good (Gen. 50:20). Through a horrible, brutal act of

violence perpetrated by men, God displays His wrath and His mercy at the

same time. God was reconciling the world to Himself through the death

and resurrection of His Son (II Cor 5:19).

God's ultimate aim in

all He does is to glorify Himself and to broadcast His glory. His ultimate

end in crucifying His Son was to bring glory and honor to Himself. This

is not selfishness. Being selfish implies that someone is honoring or

preferring himself over someone or something else that is worthy of honor.

There is no one outside of God who deserves honor and glory more than

God, so God is justified in desiring His own glory!

A more important question is,

"Why did it happen?" This is the question that Christians must

be ready to answer. Was it a politically expedient execution or a supernatural

life preserver thrown around those perishing in their own sin?

The entirety of scripture holds

the key to the meaning and the implication of the death and the resurrection

of Jesus. It's not about how bad we are but how good God is. "For

from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory

forever. Amen." (Romans 11:35)

Van H. Edwards

Fayetteville, Ga.