May 11, 2006

God is in control.

That's a phrase you've no doubt heard - preachers use it, singers use it...
And now I have.  It's almost a bit cliché...

But it really is a profound truth, and I've found myself leaning on the
concept lately.  You see things, hear things that are troubling...  Whether
in your own life, or on life's stage for all to see, troubling, chaotic, or
even unjust circumstances do not move our Lord from His ultimate position of
"all authority... in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18).

Maybe there's cause to question this sometimes.  Life presents things that
might shake us a bit, no?  But remember this: we're not promised to see
every difficulty in this life resolved in a way that is satisfactory to us.
We are promised, however, that in the end, the Lord will reign, and His
faithful ones will reign with Him.  And THAT is control.

God's control is not always plainly, easily evident in life's circumstances.
But it is secure and immovable with regards to destiny and eternity.  And
that is the kingdom that we are part of - the eternal one that belongs to
our Lord.  And it is on that kingdom that our minds and hearts should be set
now, even as the experience of it is not yet fully realized.

Psalm 2 says this:  "The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers
take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed" (2:2).
God's response:  "He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall
hold them in derision.  Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and
distress them in His deep displeasure: 'Yet I have set My King on My holy
hill of Zion'" (2:4-6).

He is not moved by his opponents.  The ultimate culmination of all things is
the triumphant reign of the Lord over all.  It's actually already been won -
it's DONE - we just await its revelation.

While we wait, things can be tough.  Sometimes we bring it on, sometimes
maybe not.  But God is a rock.  He is a rock that cannot be moved.  He is a
rock where you can find rest in the storm.  His decrees are decreed, and His
every word will be fulfilled.

Now THAT is control.

And THAT is a "Controller" worthy of all of our humility, faith, devotion,
study, seeking, obedience, service, praise and love.

May God bless all those walk in His ways.

In Jesus, looking for His glorious appearing,
Pastor Lou