Through the Bible - Isaiah 62-64, 2 Thessalonians 1
Good morning,
One of the central truths in Christianity, at least in reformed theology, is the sovereignty of God. John Calvin writes "the will of God is exhibited to us in two ways". He reveals Himself and His will in the scriptures, the Word of God and there is also a sovereign will which is unrevealed to us, that governs everything that occurs.
J.I. Packer writes, "from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible's dominant conviction about God is that behind and beneath all the apparent confusion of this world lies His plan. That plan concerns the perfecting of a people and the restoring of a world through the mediating action of Christ. God governs human affairs with this end in view, and human history is an outworking of His purpose; history is His story."
Today's verse comes from Psalm 96 which is titled "A Song of Praise to God Coming in Judgement".
Ps 96:10 Say among the nations,"The Lord reigns;
The world also is firmly established,
It shall not be moved;
He shall judge the peoples righteously." NKJV
When we look at the world around us today there is a lot of uncertainty in regards to our lives, our health, relationships, and certainly in these past few weeks, the economy.
A friend recently e-mailed an article by Pastor Colin Smith about what the Christian's attitude should be during this time of economic uncertainty.
"Don’t waste time wondering where God is in this falling stock market. His sovereign hand is all over it. Wind and waves rise and fall at His command. So do stock markets.
What purpose could God have in a falling stock market? Hebrews 12 gives us one answer: The writer tells us that when God shakes created things, (like banks and stock markets) He does this so that “what cannot be shaken may remain,” (v. 27).
Many of us have been shaken in this crisis already. Others will be soon. When you are shaken, try to embrace God’s purpose and make it your own. Ask God to use the shaking of your finances to strengthen your grip on the things that cannot be shaken. Ask Him to use the loss of your earthly treasure to deepen your appreciation of your treasure in heaven where moth, rust and stock markets cannot destroy and where corruption in business and government cannot break in and steal (see Matthew 6:20). Jesus makes it clear that our heart follows our treasure. Days when we are losing money are a great time to ask God to weaken our affection for the things of this world and to increase our love for Christ and His Kingdom. Start praying like that and your spiritual growth during this time could look like the stock market in reverse!"
Most notable to me was the statement highlighted just above, that these things as with other trials and difficulties in our lives, God can use these to "strengthen your grip on the things that cannot be shaken".
Have you ever found this to be the case in your life? Looking back, I know that I have.
As we see the things going on in the stock market and in our lives, what is your attitude in all of it?
For more on what Colin Smith has to say on the Christian perspective go to:
http://www.unlockingthebible.org/archives/read/101008OpenLetter.asp.
Read the end of Psalm 96 and rise up and praise Him, He deserves our love.
Ps 96:11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;
Let the sea roar, and all its fullness;
12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.
Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord.
13 For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth.
He shall judge the world with righteousness,
And the peoples with His truth. NKJV
In this time of economic uncertainty - give _______. Read the Psalm below. I'll let you fill in the blank.
In Christ,
Mike
Ps 96:1-97:1
A Song of Praise to God Coming in Judgment(1 Chron 16:23-33)
96 Oh, sing to the Lord a new song!Sing to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Sing to the Lord, bless His name;Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. 3 Declare His glory among the nations,His wonders among all peoples.
4 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised;He is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols,But the Lord made the heavens. 6 Honor and majesty are before Him;Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
7 Give to the Lord, O families of the peoples,Give to the Lord glory and strength. 8 Give to the Lord the glory due His name;Bring an offering, and come into His courts. 9 Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!Tremble before Him, all the earth.
10 Say among the nations,"The Lord reigns;The world also is firmly established,It shall not be moved;He shall judge the peoples righteously."
11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;Let the sea roar, and all its fullness; 12 Let the field be joyful, and all that is in it.Then all the trees of the woods will rejoice before the Lord. 13 For He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth.He shall judge the world with righteousness,And the peoples with His truth.
NKJV
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