Jesus, Provider and Sustainer

When communicating, it is recommended to never use absolutes such as "is that you always ..." or "is that you never ...", as they are statements that generally are untrue to reality. Therefore it is recommended to always make use of words or expressions that may be closer and more honest to reality such as: "sometimes you ..."

The Bible reminds us, however, that there is a place where we can confidently use an absolute: "My God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19). Did you notice?, it says "all", and not only that, but the text also presents the arguments to support the word "all", "according to his riches." Not only here, but through all the Bible, through its pages, reminds us again and again that God cares for his children by providing them with all they need. Why so sure that God has such capacity?

As a fundamental argument, the Bible says that Jesus Christ is before creation, and in him its where it finds its origin, in him and for him (Colossians 1:16-17). That is, God is the absolute master of not only of our lives but also of the elements that make it possible. Our means, although we work hard for them, are not because of us for we are not owners or originators much less providers or rescuers of creation, attributes only of God. We just make use of the resources God has available for us to survive. From Genesis, where Jesus calls the Father and the Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:26 and John 1:3) to plan the origin of man, to Revelation, where Jesus Christ guarantees the definitive rescue of his children (Revelation 22:20), the entire Bible focuses on Jesus as the source and sustainer of the universe, and the rescueer of human beings.

If you notice, the Bible does not try to convince of this, it just tells us what it is. The existence of God is not subject to my appreciation and neither is its provision to sustain life. God does not condition the participation of the elements for life. He provides outside our recognition  (Matthew 5:45). To condition the provisions for life would confirm the accusation of Satan that God "buys" our loyalty (Job 1:9-10). The character of God does not allowed him to act in such a way. Instead, before we respond to his love, he gives it to us unconditionally.

From the beginning, man was put into a pre-designed ideal conditions to live and develop. Once those conditions passed the inspection of God (Genesis 1:25), man was placed in the middle of them. Thus, to evaluate our experience in this world, we must recognize that our understanding of things is dramatically limited compared to the vastness of God's existence.

The Bible also shows us the reason for the conditions prevailing today, despite that the universe bears witness to the greatness of God, it also reflects the intrusion of sin. The pain we observe and experience are consequences of a major conflict. But even there, in pain, God provides, God is still in control of the natural world, God still has the conditions to meet the needs of his children.