How Sovereign is God?
sov·er·eign
ˈsäv(ə)rən/
noun
a supreme ruler, especially a monarch.
synonyms:ruler, monarch, crowned head, head of state, potentate, suzerain, overlord, dynast,leader
If you are like what is going on, or haven't read my first post about the blog, please refer to this post!
How sovereign is God? That is a good question to ponder. I imagine if I asked most people, especially my brothers and sisters in the faith, they would unanimously declare that he is indeed sovereign. It is a wonderful and humbling thought to know that God is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. Psalms 103: 19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,and his kingdom rules over all.20 Bless the Lord, O you his angels,you mighty ones who do his word,obeying the voice of his word!21 Bless the Lord, all his hosts,his ministers, who do his will!22 Bless the Lord, all his works,in all places of his dominion.Bless the Lord, O my soul!
These verses sum up what I want to talk about today. Notice in this passage that it says his kingdom rules over all! It speaks of angels, hosts, ministers, his works, & his places of Dominion(rule). God is systematic & in control. So here is the question: Just how sovereign is God and where does his rule extend? Let's look at some points!
1. The bible says that he is in control of nature & the universe! He does whatever he pleases. That is amazing! Psalms 135:6 Whatever the Lord pleases, he does,in heaven and on earth,in the seas and all deeps.7 He it is who makes the clouds rise at the end of the earth,who makes lightnings for the rainand brings forth the wind from his storehouses.
2. God is sovereign over the angels & even...*gasp* Satan. I heard pastor John Samson describe Satan like a lion on a leash. He is a lion-he is dangerous, to be feared, to be respected, but he is on a leash that is held by God. This can be seen in the story of Job. Job 1:8-12 8 And the Lord said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" 9 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, "Does Job fear God for no reason?10 Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face." 12 And the Lord said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand." So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. Satan has to ask permission of God to act.
3. God is sovereign over nations, which may or may not be a very comforting thought in our current state of affairs, haha! #merica Daniel 2:20 Daniel answered and said:"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,to whom belong wisdom and might.21 He changes times and seasons;he removes kings and sets up kings;he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding
4. God is soveriegn over people (here is where it hits home for us -literally lol) Paul, in his writing to the church in Galatia, shows a good example of this with his own story. Galatians 1:13 For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone Honestly, Paul wasn't much different than ISIS in his time of christian persecution. He thought he was doing the will of God until Jesus showed him otherwise. Then he came to write many letters/books in the New Testament for a faith whose members he once hunted down. How incredible!
5. God is sovereign over the sinful acts of men & Satan. This can sound/be challenging, but it is amazing when you see it! My absolute favorite example of this is the story of Joseph found in Genesis. His brothers wanted to kill him, but instead opted to sell him into slavery. This was all because of their jealous and wickedness. They freely chose to do evil in their hearts and minds, yet God had an important plan throughout it all! Genesis 45:5 And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life; Genesis 50:17'Say to Joseph, "Please forgive the transgression of your brothers and their sin, because they did evil to you."' And now, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father." Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 His brothers also came and fell down before him and said, "Behold, we are your servants." 19 But Joseph said to them, "Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. 21 So do not fear;I will provide for you and your little ones." Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to them
To wrap things up, I hope this challenges us, encourages us, and give us peace. Grace is freeing, as the blog title states, and God's utter sovereignty is the biggest hinge on that door! When you experience times of sorrow, knowing there is a plan can comfort you on your darkest days. It wasn't just purposeless evil in an unguided universe, no such thing exist. If you are talking to others about these things, whether is preaching, evangelism, or casual conversation, it can bring you peace and hope in that arena as well. His word accomplishes what it was intended to every time, and it never returns void. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God as it states in Romans. It isn't about your skills as an orator or writer, it is about being faithful and saying send me.
Have a great Friday all you friends, weirdos, and curious cats! Until next time this is Blake Jones signing off. God bless!
