“Whatever the LORD pleases, He does”(Ezekiel 43-45; Psalm 135; John 15)

Can you imagine being able to do whatever you want to do? Whilst that might thrill us at a first thought, a closer reflection will make us realise that would be dangerous. But not for God, since He is perfectly wise, loving and pure. Psalm 135:5 tells us “whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in heaven and on earth, in the seas and in all deeps.”

God does whatever He pleases! Nothing can stop His plans, He is never thwarted or frustrated. You and I know the frustration of a job that you think will take 5 minutes that ends up taking 5 hours! God never has that problem. Nothing gets in His way. How amazing! And the good news for His people is that He is continually acting for our good. What a God!

Psalm 135 reminds us of His rescue of His people out of Egypt. The most powerful man in the world (Pharaoh) could not stop God’s plan to rescue His people. This is a great encouragement as we look at at the world and wonder what is happening, God does whatever He pleases! He rescued His people and brought them to the promised land (v12).

And just as He did that for His people then, He is doing it for His people now. Our Lord Jesus Christ has rescued a people for God and He is leading us safely to the new heavens and the new earth. Our reading from John 15 tells us that while we are on the way, our Lord Jesus tenderly cares for us, like a gardener caring for a plant. Pruning may be painful, but it’s for our good. He knows exactly what He’s doing, He doesn’t make any mistakes, and His aim is for our good and God’s glory (John 15:8).

If you’re in any doubt of Jesus’ love as you consider His pruning, He reassures you “as the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.” (John 15:9). What incredible words. Think of God the Father’s perfect eternal love for God the Son. Picture a young dad playing with his child, perhaps he’s throwing the child up in the air and catching him, the child squealing with delight “again, again”, the dad delighting in his son. It’s not even close to the love of God the Father for God the Son. And Jesus says He loves you like that! And He’s proved it as he tells us “greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Our Lord Jesus did this so that you can get safely to the promised land of heaven. “Whatever the LORD pleases, he does” and look what He’s chosen to do for you. Praise God for His indescribable goodness.