SOVEREIGN POWER, SOVEREIGN GOODNESS, SOVEREIGN LOVE
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted; a time to kill, and a time heal; a time break down, and a time to build up. Ecclesiastes 3:1-3
Today we hear from the wisest man who ever lived, and Solomon told us that not only are there times and seasons in this world, but there is also an overruling providence in our lives. From before our births to the moment of our deaths, God is accomplishing His divine purposes in our lives even though we may not always understand what He is doing.
These truths defy theories of fatalism (the belief that all events are determined by fate and, therefore, inevitable) and deism (the belief that God exists and created the world but is not actively involved in it.) The Bible's truth is this: the almighty God created the whole world and controls it. He is compassionate toward us and sovereign in His lordship over creation, history, and our lives.
Consider how His sovereignty is reflected in this passage's comparisons:
Born/Die: God's care for us is comprehensive. As the psalmist wrote, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book" (Psalm 139:16 NIV).
Plant/Pluck: God uproots us and plants us He according to His good plants for us.
Kill/Heal: God permits some to die and others to be healed. He gives, and He takes away. Blessed be His name.
Break down/Build up: this counsel applies to family members, friends, neighbors, and nations.
Prayer :
Lord, You are in control of all of creation, all of history, all of my life, and I'm grateful. In Your name, Amen.
Today we hear from the wisest man who ever lived, and Solomon told us that not only are there times and seasons in this world, but there is also an overruling providence in our lives. From before our births to the moment of our deaths, God is accomplishing His divine purposes in our lives even though we may not always understand what He is doing.
These truths defy theories of fatalism (the belief that all events are determined by fate and, therefore, inevitable) and deism (the belief that God exists and created the world but is not actively involved in it.) The Bible's truth is this: the almighty God created the whole world and controls it. He is compassionate toward us and sovereign in His lordship over creation, history, and our lives.
Consider how His sovereignty is reflected in this passage's comparisons:
Born/Die: God's care for us is comprehensive. As the psalmist wrote, "All the days ordained for me were written in your book" (Psalm 139:16 NIV).
Plant/Pluck: God uproots us and plants us He according to His good plants for us.
Kill/Heal: God permits some to die and others to be healed. He gives, and He takes away. Blessed be His name.
Break down/Build up: this counsel applies to family members, friends, neighbors, and nations.
Prayer :
Lord, You are in control of all of creation, all of history, all of my life, and I'm grateful. In Your name, Amen.
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