Strategic Planning

Acts 3:17-26

　
　
Strategic planning is a buzzword that is used in business a lot. The idea is that you have some over-riding plan based on a vision and mission statement that leads you into the future. As a result, you are supposed to make decisions based on that plan which helps you to reach for excellence rather than just what is good.

God is the ultimate Strategic Planner. In today’s passage Peter recognizes and pronounces this plan to his "congregation", as Eugene Peterson referred to them in The Message. From the time of Abraham’s covenant to Jesus’ life, death and resurrection to the life of the church today - God has a plan.

It’s interesting to note the first thing Peter says in this passage: "Now fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders". Peterson puts it this way, "I know you had no idea what you were doing when you killed Jesus, and neither did your leaders".

The significance of this is that God is not only sovereign when it seems like He is in control, but even when we act in ignorance His plan is accomplished.

Think about that for a minute. What are some things that you have done in your lifetime that were done "in ignorance"? I have a sign in my office that says, "I have no idea where I am going". This means that more times than not, I’m acting in ignorance. I’m not a strategic planner – never have been. But fortunately, God is and He has accomplished His plan in my life, and continues to do so, despite me.

Where does Peter go with this line of thinking? He tells the Israelites that "you are heirs of the covenant God made with your fathers". And to Abraham He said, "through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed".

That’s us. We have been blessed through Abraham’s covenant. We are heirs of this covenant. Now it is up to you and to me to be a blessing to others – even when we act in ignorance.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts%203%3A17-26&version=NIV;MSG