That’s ALL, folks!

There is tremendous power in even small words found in the pages of scripture. Each term carries important weight and value for the benefit of readers.  One particular word, though easily overlooked, speaks boldly to the Bible’s Author and His plan for our salvation. That word is: ALL.

 

Think about it; since the beginning of time every element in our universe has come from God’s almighty hand.

“For in him ALL things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; ALL things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:16.

 

He watches over His creation:

“From heaven the Lord looks down and sees ALL mankind” Psalm 33:13

 

God’s unfailing love provides everything we need in this life:

“He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel; ALL the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.” Psalm 98:3

 

He asks us to love him in return:

“Love the Lord your God with ALL your heart and with ALL your soul and with ALL your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5

 

The eternal God has foreknowledge of every event and concern that impacts our lives-nothing is overlooked or too trivial for which we can seek his guidance through prayer.  Whatever happens, God sees and uses even the tiniest tidbit of experience to benefit his children.

“And we know that in ALL things God work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

 

Our Heavenly Father’s greatest desire is for us to turn from our sinfulness and seek him.

“Turn to me and be saved, ALL you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22

 

Sadly, mankind does not possess the ability to love and honor God in return for his care and kindness.  Not one person is exempt from being rightly accused of breaking God’s law. Our “pretty good” thoughts and actions are not even close to God’s standards of perfection.

 ”…for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23

 

ALL is not lost, however. The Father’s all-encompassing grace provided his Son in exchange for the punishment we deserve.  Jesus life, death and resurrection wiped away every tear and ALL guilt and shame.  Christ died – you guessed it – for ALL.

“[God] wants ALL people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”  (1 Timothy 2:4)

 

In many verses throughout scripture, there are examples to discover and ponder the completeness of “ALL”.  Even in its brevity, the word ALL fills us with the assurance of God’s loves and desire to grow our faith.  That “in ALL your ways [as we] acknowledge Him… He shall direct your paths.”  Proverbs 3:6

 

For now, I close with a blessing:

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you ALL.” 2 Corinthians 13:14