But God . . .

Introduction

In the words of talk show host and psychologist Dr. Phil McGraw, ‘“BUT” is a powerful word. It means forget everything I just said, I’m now going to tell you what I really mean’. Although not always completely accurate, generally speaking, the words which follow ‘but’ are the ones to remember.

The word ‘but’ is used almost 4,000 times in scripture, and some of the most intriguing examples are those which reference God, as in ‘but God’. We can note that in several of those instances, specific Old Testament characters are associated with this little phrase.

• Noah had been in the ark for 150 days . . . but God, Gen. 7. 24 - 8. 1
• Joseph was hauled off into slavery . . . but God, 50. 19, 20
• David was pursued relentlessly by Saul . . . but God, 1 Sam. 23. 13, 14
• The sons of Korah saw wickedness all around them . . . but God, Ps. 49. 14, 15
• Asaph’s flesh and heart might fail . . . but God, 73. 25, 26
• Solomon’s kingdom had been threatened . . . but . . . God, 1 Kgs. 5. 3, 4
• Jahaziel was confronted by an enemy horde . . . but God, 2 Chr. 20. 14, 15

On each of these seven occasions, God’s presence not only provided protection for His harried servants, but actually turned bad into good. What is also compelling about these seven ‘but God’ statements is a foreshadowing of God’s redemptive plan for humankind:

• Christ’s work of redemption, Noah, Joseph, and David
• God’s motive for redemption, Ps. 86. 14, 15
• The blessings of redemption, sons of Korah, Asaph, Solomon, and Jahaziel.

But God . . . Christ’s work of redemption

But God remembered (Noah)

Noah was confined to the ark for 150 days, but God remembered Noah … and the waters subsided, Gen. 7. 24 - 8. 1. This does not actually mean that God had forgotten Noah, but only that, from the reader’s perspective, the spotlight of God’s attention turned to this faithful servant.

Although Noah’s confinement appears as a foreshadowing of Christ’s confinement to the grave following His crucifixion, the Lord had already assured His followers that, even during this darkest of hours, His Father would still be with Him, John 16. 32.

God’s silence does not mean we have been forgotten.

But God meant it for good (Joseph)

Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, ‘but God meant it for good’, Gen. 50. 19, 20 NKJV. Stephen would also say about Joseph’s circumstances, ‘but God was with him and rescued him out of all his afflictions’, Acts 7. 9, 10.

Centuries later, when Christ spent three long days and nights in the tomb, not only did the Father remember Him, but, as He did for Joseph, He rescued Him, Acts 13. 29, 30.

But God protected (David)

David was hounded by King Saul everywhere he went, but God did not give him into his hand, 1 Sam. 23. 13, 14. God watched over His servant David, for He had amazing plans for the shepherd king, and His will can never be overruled.

Saul’s persistent persecution of God’s anointed foreshadows the determination of the prince of darkness to bring the Lord to His knees. In fact, at first glance, when Christ died on Mount Calvary, God’s protection seemed to have fallen short. Although He was able to protect David, He was not able to protect Jesus from death and still redeem humankind. Ultimate victory, however, was not to be denied, for three days later the Father raised His Son triumphantly from the dead, Acts 2. 32.

But God . . . His motive for redeeming us, Ps. 86. 15

This next ‘but God’ serves as a critical link between this foreshadowing of Christ’s redemptive work and the blessings resulting from His sacrifice. This verse describes in marvellous detail the Father’s love for us and reveals the fact that He sent His Son so we might be made alive with Christ. Paul reiterates this in Ephesians chapter 2 verses 4 and 5.

But God . . . the blessings of redemption

Redemption from a lost eternity (Sons of Korah)

In Psalm 49, the sons of Korah remind us that at one time death was our shepherd, but now it is the Good Shepherd who leads us. No longer do His children need to fear death, but they can look forward to an eternity spent with our Father because of Christ’s gracious work of redemption, Eph. 1. 7.

He gives us strength and is our portion forever (Asaph)

Not only has God redeemed us, but He has promised to be our source of strength and our portion forever. Following His ascension into heaven, Christ graciously sent the Holy Spirit to be our guide and the source of strength and comfort for this earthly pilgrimage, Eph. 3. 16; John 16. 13.

He gives us rest (Solomon)

As He promised rest to King Solomon, so He promises rest for His weary pilgrims, Matt. 11. 28. We can rest in the knowledge that He has redeemed us, and our future is secure.

He fights our battles (The prophet Jahaziel)

The truths spoken of by Jahaziel are as real today as they were then. God’s plans were laid out before the ages of time and each and every one of them will be fulfilled exactly as promised.

Conclusion

These two little words - ‘but God’ - give strength for today and hope for tomorrow. They remind us of the enormous cost that was paid for Christ to lay down His life for us. These words also remind us of the great love and the wonderful blessings He provides, 1 Cor. 15. 57.