Que signifie le mot providence ?

Nous savons que toutes choses travaillent ensemble pour le bien de ceux qui aiment Dieu, de ceux qui sont appelés selon son dessein. Romains 8. 28

Dire d’un événement qu’il est providentiel, c’est le reconnaître opportun et inespéré. Un chrétien verra l’action de Dieu là où d’autres voient l’effet d’un hasard. Dieu conduit souverainement, avec autorité, sagesse et amour, toutes les situations par lesquelles passent ses créatures.

La Bible n’emploie jamais le mot de providence, elle affirme que Dieu veille sur les humains. Ceux-ci s’interrogent toujours sur l’action de Dieu dans le monde, sur la manière dont il pourvoit à leurs besoins et à ceux de toutes ses créatures. Le chrétien sait que les circonstances ne sont pas fortuites dans la vie d’une personne. Dieu lui-même les dirige ou les permet. “Qui est-ce qui dit une chose, et elle arrive, quand le Seigneur ne l’a pas commandée ?” (Lamentations de Jérémie 3. 37). Dieu aime chaque individu personnellement et s’occupe de lui dans un but de grâce et de bonté. Il désire nous attirer à lui. Le croyant qui place sa confiance en Jésus Christ sait que toute sa vie est conduite par Dieu, qui l’aime et qui désire lui faire du bien. Il sait qu’il fait partie de “ceux qui sont appelés selon le dessein de Dieu”, même s’il estime que son amour pour Dieu est bien faible.

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Empty Hands

His father saw him and was filled with compassion for him. Luke 15:20

God of heaven, help me to receive and enjoy the forgiveness You’ve provided through Your Son, Jesus.

Today's Scripture & Insight : Luke 15:17–24

Robert was embarrassed when he showed up for a breakfast meeting and realized he’d forgotten his wallet. It bothered him to the point that he pondered whether he should eat at all or simply get something to drink. After some convincing from his friend, he relaxed his resistance. He and his friend enjoyed their entrees, and his friend gladly paid the bill.

Perhaps you can identify with this dilemma or some other situation that puts you on the receiving end. Wanting to pay our own way is normal, but there are occasions when we must humbly receive what’s graciously being given.

Some kind of payback may have been what the younger son had in mind in Luke 15:17–24 as he contemplated what he would say to his father. “I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants” (v. 19). Hired servant? His father would have no such thing! In his father’s eyes, he was a much-loved son who’d come home. As such he was met with a father’s embrace and an affectionate kiss (v. 20). What a grand gospel picture! It reminds us that by Jesus’ death He revealed a loving Father who welcomes empty-handed children with open arms. One hymn writer expressed it like this: “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to thy cross I cling.”

By:  Arthur Jackson

Reflect & Pray
How does it make you feel that because Jesus has paid your sin debt, you can receive forgiveness for all your sins? If you’ve never received this forgiveness, what’s keeping you from accepting this gift through Jesus?