“It came to pass” is one of those phrases from the Bible that people have really taken hold of over the years. The literal expression means something akin to “and then this happened,” but the message we can get from it is much more profound. It’s an expression that speaks to the transience of both situations and life itself. Nothing lasts forever. Or, as the old adage goes, “This too shall pass.” Beyond the obvious message of hope for a brighter tomorrow, though, this phrase means something even more for those of us living in these last days.
“It Came to Pass”
The Bible uses the phrase at least 483 times in the King James Version (KJV), 39 times in the Gospel of Luke alone (at least that’s how many Bible Gateway produced at an inquiry). The ESV, NASB, NIV, NKJV, and NLT all include it 428 times.
It’s a phrase that is used too often for “coincidence” or even merely convention. It communicates a clear message of inevitability. Time. Will. Pass. Whatever situation you find yourself in today – whether it’s sickness, persecution, or demonic attack — you are fewer than 24 hours from a new tomorrow. And the Bible is full of hope for that new day. Psalm 30:5b says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Life is full of mountains and valleys. God doesn’t leave us in the valley forever.
Be careful if you start searching, though. The Book of Mormon uses the phrase over double the number of times as the KJV, and many of the results Google produces are from the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.
Beyond a Message of Hope
But beyond anticipating the end of a bad situation, this phrase speaks something else to those of us living in these last days. Jesus is coming soon, and His reward is with Him. Whether we find ourselves in comfort and ease or in great tribulation, it’s merely a stop on the narrow road that leads to an eternity with our Lord. We must live every moment with eternity in mind.
A Song Put Things into Perspective
Recently God dealt with me about doing something very difficult. I was scared, and my feet were dragging, but rather than a strong rebuke, He popped this song from high school into my mind. It’s from the 1980s, so maybe you haven’t heard it. When I thought of the lyrics, it absolutely energized me. It’s called “Streets of Innocence” by Margaret Becker.
“Tonight, I’ll sleep like a baby
Streets of Innocence by Margaret Becker
On the bed of no regrets
Well listen, you, you can have your money
Now you, you can keep your pride
I don’t need nothing
‘Cause I’ll be living right tonight
In innocence, in innocence
It’s all about living each and every moment with no regrets. No matter what happens, I want to listen for the Holy Spirit’s voice in every situation and do what He wants me to do. Mountain or valley, ease or difficulty, comfort or pain, we must be about the Lord’s business. John 9:4 says, “I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.”
Hope and Strength
Beyond hope, “It came to pass” is a message of strength for those of us living in these last days. Whatever today holds, it’s only temporary. Jesus is coming soon, and when I stand with Him to look back at my life during these times, I want no regrets. I want to hear Him say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Until that day, I will stand on His promises and make my choices to that end.
Interested in more articles about hope? Check out Hope for Lost Loved Ones: God’s Mercy in Trials. It’s a new way to pray for those who are lost. Please sign up to receive my blog in your email inbox. You can find that at the upper right of your screen (or at the bottom on a phone). Also, check out my YouTube Channel where I read the blogs out loud. I also have a playlist of hymns from my church.
