THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD Devotion #14 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)

PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF THIS DOCTRINE

In God's kingdom, "doctrine" is not intended to merely fortify a position. The point of teaching is to bring the mind of God to bear upon circumstance. That circumstance can be as broad as the lostness of humanity, or as narrow as the raising of children. This is simply another way of saying this doctrine is practical; it has to do with living. Those who affirm they are not interested in doctrine are either unlearned in the ways of God, or distinterested in relating God's thoughts to their situation. Both conditions are inexcusable, and cannot be justified. With that in mind, behold the practicality of the Scriptural teaching of God's sovereignty.

Carries and sustains

(Isa. 46:4-5) "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. To whom will you compare me or count me equal? To whom will you liken me that we may be compared?" This promise was given to "the house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel." That does not mean there is nothing in it for you. God reveals Himself in this promise. Remember, that we have been grafted into the "root," and thus partake of those promises that are in harmony with His purpose in Christ Jesus (Rom 11:17). The bottom line is this: You were born again because of the power of God, and you are kept by that same power. He has committed Himself to bring you all the way to heaven through Christ. It is not possible for you to abide in Jesus without this taking place. God is sovereign!

Draws with lovingkindness

(Jer. 31:3) "The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving- kindness." In His sovereignty God has chosen to draw us to Himself with lovingkindness; i.e., with love and mercy. He does not constrain us primarily by law and requirements, although they are very real incentives. The strongest incentive will come through an awareness of His love of and preference for you. Thus, the Gospel becomes "the power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16). If you do not think His lovingkindness is powerful enough to appeal to hard hearts, think again. God is sovereign in making this so.

Steps ordered by God

(Psa. 37:23) "The steps of a good man are ordered lof the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." Can you believe God will direct your life? Indeed you can! It may appear that things are out of control. You may be surrounded by difficulties and hardships. Hopelessness may also grip your heart. But this has nothing whatsoever to do with reality. The truth is that God is "over all." Because of this, He is capable of charting the course for you, and leading you in it. What is even more, He has a fervent desire to do this.

Turns hearts

(Prov. 21:1) "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases." Here is a marvelous thing! God can turn even a kings heart! And He can do so in any way He desires. Rest assured, He will do it without violating the will of the individual; yet He will turn the heart. He has means available to Him that can make even the king change his mind. God can bring circumstances that can alter the way a person thinks--like the plagues on Egypt provoking Pharaoh to let the Israelites go. Apply this to church leaders, politicians, even relatives. There is no end to what God can do!

-- TOMORROW: THE DECISION IS TOURS, THE WORKING IS GOD'S --