I recently read an article about someone who loved to browse bookshops to find the next book they would read. Their preferred genre of books was mystery or crime. You’re probably wondering why I’m telling you about this person, as there is nothing unusual about someone buying a book from a bookstore. There is however something unusual about how they chose their next book which I found particularly odd, especially as the preferred mystery or crime novels – They chose their next book by reading the last few pages of the book first!
I cannot understand why they would want to read the ending of the book first. However the person apparently said that for them, the suspense in the book, wasn’t about knowing ‘whodunnit’, but in how the writer handled he story, so knowing the ending enhanced the book for them.
This person is of course not alone in wanting to know how the book concludes before reading the rest of the book – In the Scripture for today, God says he makes known the end from the beginning. In fact, he’s even written in the Bible the very last chapter of history.
I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.
Isaiah 46:9-10
I wonder if God tells us the ending to encourage us all, by assuring us that all will be well. He wants to reassure us of this right from the moment we are born – that Jesus wins!
All will be well
Every valley will be lifted
All will be well
All our pain will be redeemed
And we will be forever free
In the love of Christ our King
And all will be well
All will be well
All will be well
Every mountain will be bowed down
All will be well
All our chains will fall away
And we will rise to reign with Christ
No more tears and no more night
And all will be well
All will be well
All will be well
Every human seen as equal
All will be well
Every tribe and tongue unite
And we will sing as one, redeemed
By the blood of Christ our King
Yes, we will live as one again
In a kingdom without end
And all will be well
All will be well
All will be well
All will be well
The Distinct Dot 