“And It Came To Pass”

Issues – March 2021 – Grace & Truth Magazine

“And It Came To Pass”

The expression “and it came to pass” can be found 396 times in the King James Version of the Bible! It was a surprise to see that it is recorded so many times.

Now, it should be understood that this biblical phrase usually proceeds an action by a thing, person, persons and – as may be expected in the Scriptures – even the Lord. For instance, the first time the words are mentioned in the New Testament is in Matthew 7:28, saying, “And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine” (KJV). As you can see, the phrase “and it came to pass” led into the action of the people being astonished at His doctrine.

You may have heard that an elderly man was once asked, “What is your favorite verse in the Bible?” His interesting answer was, “And it came to pass.” When questioned why, he noted that when there was a problem or a difficult situation in his life, he recognized that “it came to pass; it did not come to stay!”

While that may not be the scriptural application of the phrase, it holds some merit for us. We may think of global issues, such as the Covid-19 pandemic. The corona virus and the response to it caused great distress and disruption throughout the world, with many long-lasting consequences. But let’s look at the situation from the elderly man’s perspective. The Covid-19 pandemic had come to pass; it did not come to stay!

So many of our troubles and trials may be viewed in the same way – they do not come to stay as we live in this world. Unfortunately, it must be acknowledged that there are some difficulties that may not leave us until we are found in the Lord’s presence, either through death or the rapture. Going through such problems will require strong, continued faith, accepting that the Lord knows what He is doing with and for us. It is interesting to note that even these troubles have “come to pass,” for they will not be taken into eternity.

What is the best response for the individual believer and the local church to take when found in a seemingly lingering, difficult situation? A verse of practical application is Psalm 37:3, the first part of which says, “Trust in the Lord, and do good.” “Trust in the Lord” is the best advice that can be given. May we all be helped by simply trusting Him. “Do good” is ideal for the individual and the local Christian community. Is there anyone who needs financial or emotional help, or to be blessed in some other way? Pray for them and reach out to them! This is an amazing way to forget one’s own needs. Visiting shut-ins, helping a mother with her children, picking up an elderly person to have a meal together, lending a helping hand to a neighbor or being a quiet support to anyone else can be so uplifting. These activities are an enjoyable way for us to be encouraged as well.

If you are the one going through a difficulty, pray that someone else will come to help bear your burden. Remember, the Lord is always available to help and comfort us. He said, “Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Mt. 11:28-30).

During the trials of this life, let’s keep in mind that they came to pass, not to stay. With the Lord’s strength, may we apply Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) to our lives: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

By G. H. B.

Simply trusting every day;
Trusting through a stormy way; Even when my faith is small,Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by, Trusting Him, whate’er befall,Trusting Jesus, that is all.—Edgar P. Stites (1836–1921)