Our Times Are In His Hands

Greetings,        

      John Owen (1616-1683) was an advocate of the Congregational way and a Reformed theologian.  He supported Cromwell and was the chief architect of the Cromwellian State Church.  After the Restoration he became an acknowledged leader of Protestant Nonconformity, pastor of a church in London and author. 

      Read Paul’s comments in Philippians 1:18b-26 (“my desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better; but to remain in the flesh is more necessary...”).  Certainly not everyone has the wide impact of a Paul, but every Christian has the opportunity to be in effective ministry with Christ.  The following is from Owen’s On the Glory of Christ. 

      Some desire to live that they may see more of that glorious work of God for His Church, which they believe He will accomplish.  So Moses prayed that he might not die in the wilderness, but go over Jordan, and see the good land, and that goodly mountain and Lebanon, the seat of the Church and of the worship of God; which yet God thought meet to deny unto him.  And this denial of the request of Moses, made on the highest consideration possible is instructive unto all in the like case.  Others may judge themselves to have some work to do in the world, wherein they suppose that the glory of God, and good of the Church are concerned; and therefore would be spared for a season.  Paul knew not clearly whether it were not best for him to abide a while longer in the flesh on this account; and David often deprecates the present season of death because of the work which he had to do for the God in the world.  Others rise no higher than their own private interests or concerns with respect unto their persons, their families, their relations, and goods in this world.  They would see these things in a better or more settled condition before they die, and then they shall be most willing so to do.  But it is the love of life that lies at the bottom of all these desires in men; which of itself will never forsake them.  But no man can die cheerfully or comfortably who lives not in a constant resignation of the time and season of his death unto the will of God, as well as himself with respect unto death itself.  Our times are in His hand, at His sovereign disposal; and His will in all things must be complied withal.  Without this resolution, without this resignation, no man can enjoy the least solid peace in the world.

Yours & His,

DED