Prophets insist that God is the sovereign center of our lives, “that nothing is hidden from the scrutiny of God, nothing is exempt from the rule of God, and nothing escapes the purposes of God.” Deep things, inside counsel, and “secrets” were revealed to them. These were secrets concerning sovereignty, revelation, incarnation, salvation, commission, preservation, and consummation. We will now, through their collective and representative words, look into the final three.
Commission – Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you; before you were born I set you apart and appointed you…The sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning to listen as one being taught…Act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God….Seek good, love good, and do right…Encourage the oppressed…Sow to yourselves in righteousness and reap the fruit of unfailing love…Break up your unplowed ground for it is time to pursue the Lord until He comes and showers righteousness upon you…Call to me and I will answer you and show you great and unsearchable things that you do not know…How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who proclaim peace, who bring good news, who proclaim salvation, who say “God reigns!” Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever…The just shall live by faith.
Preservation – Fear not, I have redeemed you and called you by name and you are mine…I will not forget you, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…When you pass through the waters I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze, for I am the Lord your God, your Savior…I will be the sure foundation of your times, a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure…Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, or the strong man boast of his strength, or the rich man boast of his wealth; but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who exercises kindness, justice, and righteousness on the earth…I am a refuge to those in trouble…I care for those who trust in me…And when you keep your mind focused on me, I will give you perfect peace…Trust in the Lord forever, for He is the Rock eternal.
Consummation – Forget the former things. Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing…Be silent before the sovereign Lord for He has roused Himself from His holy dwelling…The Day of the Lord is near…He will shake the heavens and the earth and the Desire of all Nations will come…Seek righteous and humility, and perhaps you will be sheltered in the day of the Lord’s anger…On that day a fountain will be opened to cleanse from sin and iniquity…The earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea…The saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever…I will pour out my Spirit upon all people…I will put my sanctuary among them forever.