THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD Devotion #9 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)

Understanding the Truth

Why are some people able to comprehend the things of God, and others are not? This is not a simplistic question. Christ viewed all men as either of Satan or of God, either of the world order or the heavenly order, either believers or unbelievers. He saw men differently than the world sees them. Those who were enslaved by the world had wisdom and prudence that took more from them than it gave to them. Armed with the "wisdom from beneath," they could NOT take hold of the things of God. On the other hand, those living by faith often appeared simplistic and juvenile in their perspectives, yet were able to comprehend even the deep things of God. Jesus gives us the reason for this condition. THINGS HIDDEN FROM THE WISE. (Matt. 11:25) "At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes." It is not possible to comprehend the things of God without denying the world's claim of superior wisdom. Conversely, it is not possible to walk by faith and be basically ignorant of the truth of God. The reason for this condition is found in a Sovereign God. By His divine power, He renders His truth inaccessible to those trusting in the flesh, and accessible to those trusting in Christ. Were He not "over all," this would not be possible.

Directing our steps

There is a tendency in mankind to be anxious about their condition in this world. Inordinate concern about life has driven many to despair, and even caused some to abandon the faith, making shipwreck of it (1 Tim. 1:19). Jesus taught us to pray with God's sovereignty in mind. When His disciples requested Him to teach them to pray, He did not rebuke them. Nor, indeed, did He launch into a long dissertation on the various forms and benefits of prayer. His reply has comforted many a soul, providing them food for profitable thought and invigorating faith. Hear His words once again. DELIVERANCE FROM EVIL. (Matt. 6:13) "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." The two-fold request is challenging. "Do not lead us into temptation," and "deliver us from evil." Both are areas requiring divine influence. We cannot successfully address temptation or evil on our own! Temptation is the path potentially leading to disaster. It speaks of the devil's effort to lure us into jeopardous surroundings that threaten our safety, giving the advantage to the lower nature. How can we avoid such things? God CAN lead us where there is no besetting jeopardy! He can deliver us from threatening situations! How is it that He can do this? The kingdom, power, and glory belong to Him. Whether we are speaking of this world, the dark realm of demonic activity, or the heavenly domain of light and life, He is over them all. The kingdom belongs to Him! What is more, the power or authority belongs to Him. Nothing can transpire in these realms without His mandate or approval. No one functions independent of His authority! Not Satan, not fallen angels or wicked principalities--not you! The "glory" also belongs to Him. At the conclusion of all things, every bit of glory will go to Him--because it belongs to Him. His purpose will be the only purpose ultimately served and fulfilled. Every contradictory purpose will be finally frustrated! As you can see, the sovereignty of our God can help to shape your prayer!

-- TOMORROW: A KEY TO UNDERSTANDING --