THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD Devotion #1 of 17

"For the kingdom is the LORD'S: and He is the governor among the nations" (Psalm 22:28); "For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods" (Psalm 95:3); "One God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Ephesians 4:6); "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11)

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY "SOVEREIGN"?

There are several synonyms offered for the word "sovereign." Among them are, "king," "lord," "monarch," and "potentate." All of these fall woefully short of the Scriptural presentation of the Living God. In the Word of God, key words and concepts are defined DOCTRINALLY, not etymologically. The Holy Spirit started with our language, but He did not end there. He gave signification to vernacular that is unique, appreciated only by those that are reconciled to God. Men may consider earthly monarchs to be "sovereign," as the king or queen of England, etc. However, the thoughts conveyed by such reference do not approximate those related to a Sovereign God. The power of earthly potentates is derived, coming from a family name, a vote, or even usurpation. It is not so with the sovereignty of our God.

DEFINITIONS

Because of the largeness of this subject, we will limit our study to some of the key aspects of the theme. There are many other profitable areas of consideration of this subject. Those we cover will assist you in contemplating and developing additional aspects of God's sovereignty.

Dominant power

Strength belongs to the Lord! It is not His by assignment, but by nature. Angels are strong (Psa. 103:20), yet their strength is derived: it has been given to them by God. However, with God, strength is part of His Person, integral to His nature, one of His inherent qualities. It cannot be taken from Him, nor can another successfully compete with Him. Further, the source of strength resides with Him alone. No personality in heaven or earth can increase in strength independently of our God. Only His power is dominant power! If circumstance appears to indicate that God is not exercising HIS power, or that He has no power, our assessment is simply wrong. The Throne of the universe is never idle or vacant!

Rightful Authority

Sovereignty, however, is more than dominating power; it includes authority. In this world, there are ruthless men that exercise ruthless power. They have no authority but that of coercion. Their's is a usurped power that is neither right nor beneficial. But it is not so with our God. Power without rightness is tyranny. It is ever true that "a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of His kingdom" (Heb. 1:8). The divine rule is "in righteousness" (Isa. 32:1; Acts 17:31). The Lord can never be charged with doing anything wrong, being unequal, or inconsiderate. His Sovereignty is never self-contradictory.

Active Government

The government of the Lord is not theoretical, even though it is often approached in this manner. His is an ACTIVE rule, always executed in accordance with His "eternal purpose." Nothing is ever out of God's control, attention, or government. He continually works "according to His own will" (Dan. 4:35), regardless of man's perception of the situation. Currently, the government has been placed upon the shoulder of the Lord Jesus Christ (Isa. 9:6; Matt. 28:18; 1 Pet. 3:22). Jesus is now "upholding all things by the Word of His power" (Heb. 1:3). The Lord neither sleeps nor slumbers in the execution of His reign (Psa. 121:4). Thus His rule is always contemporary, vital, and effectual.

SUMMARY

In this study, therefore, we will view the Sovereignty of God as the uncontested and righteous rule of God among the sons of men. This involves orchestrating all things for the fulfillment of His "eternal purpose" and the ultimate good of those made "accepted in the Beloved" (Eph. 1:6).

-- TOMORROW: NECESSARY CONCLUSIONS --