THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD Devotion #3 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)

SCRIPTURAL AFFIRMATIONS Apparently Contradictory Effects

The religious world is plagued by simplistic views of God. As used here, simplicity means oversimplification, or shallow. An element of truth may be found in some of these simplistic views, but that is the danger of them. Truth itself, not an element of it, makes free (John 8:32). The Word of God speaks of good and evil coming from God. The proclamations are quite clear, and it is difficult to conceive of them being stated with greater clarity. Our analysis of them must begin with the postulate that they are true, precise, and accurate. It is not God's manner to confuse believers by making statements that are not exact. In fact, such a thought reproaches Him. WOUNDS AND HEALS. (Deut. 32:39) "See now that I myself am He! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand." KILLS AND MAKES ALIVE. (1 Sam. 2:6-7) "The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts." MAKES SORE, BINDS UP. (Job 5:17-18) "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal." MAKES DUMB, DEAF, SEEING, BLIND. (Ex. 4:11) "The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD?" MAKES SORE AND WOUNDS TO BIND AND CURE. (Job 5:17-18) "Blessed is the man whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty. For he wounds, but he also binds up; he injures, but his hands also heal." BRINGS PROSPERITY AND CREATES DISASTER . (Isa. 45:7) "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the LORD, do all these things." You have probably been involved in discussions concerning the source of calamity, difficulty, and adversity. You will rarely hear any of these texts discussed in these matters. Yet, this is the Word of the King! It is true that Satan brings the trouble to us, but he does not do so without divine approval. Further, the trouble itself assists in the implementation of divine purpose. If this is not the case, it will not come to you. If, on the other hand, trouble has come to you, God is working His will in you through it. Think of Paul's "thorn in the flesh." It was "given" to him because of the "surpassing greatness of the revelations" that He received. Satan brought it to him, no doubt with evil intent. The divine purpose was to keep Paul from "exalting" himself. This was not Satan's intention. He aims to do just the opposite; to get people to exalt themselves. It was GOD'S INTENTION that Paul not exalt himself! In all of this, Paul actually appropriated more grace and stability than he could have otherwise obtained. He was "made perfect in the weakness" induced by the "thorn" (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Another example of seeming contradictions is found in an incident concerning king Saul. During this time, a transition in leadership occurred under divine direction. The power passed from king Saul to young David. This transfer took place some time before evidenced by outward appearance. However, from the very day Samuel anointed David, the Spirit of God came on David with power. In the case of king Saul, something quite different occurred. "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power. Samuel then went to Ramah. Now the Spirit of the LORD had departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD tormented him. Saul's attendants said to him, "See, an evil spirit from God is tormenting you" (1 Sam. 16:13-15). Not only did "an evil spirit from the Lord" torment Saul, even his servants recognized the Source of the affliction. In this respect, they had far more perception than many currently living in the glorious light of the Gospel of Christ. We are not told HOW the evil spirit troubled Saul, but it must have been most grievous. Indications are that is caused some form of mental disturbance. Observe that the spirit itself was "evil," not holy. Yet, it came from the Lord, Who is the Sovereign even in the world of spiritual darkness. It is not in order to speculate about possible occurrences of this type of thing in our day. Suffice it to say, if God rejects us, we are in for trouble, just as surely as king Saul. It is on the part of wisdom to keep the way clear between you and God. That can only be done through faith, in the Son, and by the Spirit.

-- TOMORROW: THE BLESSED POSITION OF THE SAINTS OF GOD -- --MONDAY: NOTHING WITHOUT A CAUSE --