Perspective:
The Sovereignty of God
Nelson Thomas
We are going through one of the most difficult and uncertain periods of recent times. Apart from common challenges like climate change and global periodic pandemics, the conflict in many lands presents a grim scenario. Political conditions in many countries are shaking due to various reasons. Human rights violations by authoritarian regimes are on the rise. Added to these domestic and international issues, all of us have our troubles from different corners. How do you find solace and strength in such a melancholic condition?
One of the fundamental biblical truths that lift us up in these circumstances is the sovereignty of God. It is one of the basic truths about God that the scripture repeatedly refers to. His people should never forget this truth and its practical implications.
Let us consider a few of those references:
Deu. 4:39:- “Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the LORD Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.”
Job 9:12:- “If He takes away, who can hinder Him? Who can say to Him, 'What are You doing?'”
Psa. 29:10:- “The LORD sat enthroned at the Flood, And the LORD sits as King forever.”
Isa. 40:22-23:- “It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless.”
Notice how forcefully the Lord reminds the people of Israel of His superiority and sovereignty to the people of Israel.
Our Lord’s model prayer concludes with this assertion, “Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.” (Matt. 6:13b). When Pilate asked the Lord Jesus, "Are You a king then?" Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king.” (John 18: 37). In His parting promise too, our Lord categorically declares His absolute authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18).
There are many more such passages that explicitly reveal the complete power our Lord has over the whole universe (Rom. 11:33-36; Colo. 1:16-18).
Four things involved:
1. His dominion. He rules over all His creation.
2. His control. There is nothing outside His jurisdiction whether man, animal or nature (Dan. 4:35; Rom. 13:1; Matt. 8:27; Psa. 104).
3. His choice. God does whatever He chooses; nobody can stop nor question Him (Job 9:12; 42: 2: Psa. 135: 6; Rom. 9:19).
4. His permission. Yet, scripture also reveals that God may allow man’s way, but even then, ultimately His eternal purposes alone are fulfilled.
As with any other truth about God, we are unable to comprehend fully this divine authority over all.
For example, consider the way God makes use of human failures to accomplish His intentions. In Judges Chapter 1, the writer says that the Israelites could not remove the entire Canaanites, Ammonites, etc., from Canaan, but later we read it was the Lord who left them (2:23: 3:1)!
That shows how the Lord holds us accountable for our actions, at the same time, wonderfully turns around our foolishness unto our own good and even for His glory.
Five Things expected:
a. Rejoice.
The tired and traumatized people of Judah were instructed to get up from their slumber and rejoice because of the good news of His reign. Their slavery under foreign nations is going to end. They will enjoy peace, salvation, and justice under His rule (Isa. 52:7; Psa. 97:1, 2).
Of course, as a nation, Israel will experience this joy and peace only in the future, but all who acknowledge and yield to the Lordship of Christ today experience happiness and peace spiritually.
b. Humble.
The proud and haughty Nebuchadnezzar had to humbly acknowledge the sovereignty of God (Dan. 4:34, 35). The more we contemplate the glory and majesty of our Lord we can’t but humble ourselves confessing our nothingness before Him.
c. Tremble.
Another response God expects from man has been expressed by the Psalmist. “The LORD reigns; Let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; Let the earth be moved!” (Psa. 99:1).
d. Worship.
In Isaiah’s response to the vision of the enthroned Lord, we see all these responses and more. With fear and trembling he confessed his unworthiness and consecrated himself to Him (Isa 6:1ff). Apostle John too fell at the feet of the Lord with a sense of wonder and owe (Rev. 1: 17).
e. Witness.
God wanted the people of Judah not only to get up but speak the truth from every mountain-top in Jerusalem, “Your God reigns!” (Isa 52:7ff). For it’s good news of peace, happiness and salvation to His people.
Apostle Paul quotes this verse and applies it to the preaching of the gospel today (Rom. 10:15). It is the declaration of who our Lord Jesus is and what He has accomplished for sinful man. It is high time to make known afresh that He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords who alone is the hope of the world for its salvation and survival (Rev. 17:14; 19:16).
Conclusion:
In times of suffering, uncertainty and chaos, let us meditate upon the sovereignty of our God. The present circumstances may be unfavourable; unexpected situations are being unfolded, and even the future looks grim and gloomy. The enemy may be working overtime to defeat us by hook or crook. The dear ones from whom we expected support and sympathy might be staying away. In all such situations, let us ponder upon this truth that our Lord is still on the throne.
What a comfort and consolation it brings to our hearts that He alone is the King who controls everything, everyone and every circumstance! He does all things well for the good of His people (Mark 7:37; Rom. 8:28). Let us continue to trust and follow Him, “for this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide Even to death.” (Psalm 48:14). G&P
NTK
