The Lord is King

Things around us can change quickly. Various changes can unsettle people and cause unrest, fear, disillusionment or even disappointment in the behaviour of others.

In Australia there has been a lot going on the political scene concerning the leadership of our nation. It is important that even at times like this – regardless of what happens on the political front – we are to remember that the LORD is King. Nothing can alter, change or prevent that from happening. Many years ago, king David declared, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers” (Psalm 24:1-2).

The Scriptures make it clear that God is sovereign. The psalmist declared, “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases” (Psalm 115:3). Because He is sovereign, He is in control of all things and has determined all things. When it comes to God’s purposes and will, there are two aspects: His secret will (or sovereign will) and His revealed will (or stipulated will). Consider the following text, “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law” (Duet. 29:29).

In this post, I will briefly consider the first aspect – the secret sovereign will of God. The secret will of God refers to God’s sovereign will that will come to pass. Regardless of what is happening in our lives or in the world, God’s single and sovereign plan cannot and will not be thwarted! There are three important things to know about this “secret will.”

Firstly, God’s single plan is eternal. His plan is not a developing process nor is it under construction; it was formed in eternity past. Before anything was, God determined that it would be (Is. 46:10). When it is said that God’s plan is eternal, this must not be confused with the un-biblical idea of God foreseeing what happens and therefore He makes it His plan. In this line of thinking God is not the determiner, but rather He is a reactor. Instead it is the other way around, God determines what happens and then it happens.

Secondly, His plan is unchanging. When we devise plans it is not uncommon for them to change. Our plans can be easily frustrated or changed due to unforeseen events. Unlike us, God has a single plan that is unchanging. This truth is clearly stated in Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” Another significant passage regarding God’s plan being unchanging is Isaiah 14:24-27. In this chapter we learn about God’s judgment on the nations of Babylon and Assyria. In verses 24 and 27 it is made clear that whatever God intends or plans will come to pass. Nothing can change that reality because His plans are unchanging. These verses contain great certainty of the fruition of God’s plan.

The final feature of God’s plan is that it is all-inclusive. By this point I mean that all that happens, good and evil, small and large don’t escape God’s determination. Do you remember that  nnhafter Joseph’s brothers selfishly sold him into slavery, Joseph was able to utter these insightful words, “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” (Gen. 50:20).

Another example of this is the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus (Acts 2:23). Jesus was delivered over, nailed to a cross and put to death as a result of God’s “definite plan.” Now it is important to note that those who were involved in this act were still held responsible for their actions. Peter says “you crucified and killed.” God determined this to happen, but the means in which it was accomplished was the sinful actions of men (and they were therefore held accountable).

Things around us may appear to be in disorder, we may be exposed to actions that result from sinful behaviour, but remember, the Lord is King. For this reason, we must not ignore the biblical requirement to pray for those in need:

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior” (1 Tim. 2:1-3)

The following video contains a well written song that reminds us of the trustworthy character of our Lord and King.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FFG_UryEYE[/youtube]