Studies in the Pentateuch
“Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.’ So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them” (Genesis 50:19-21).
There is great comfort in the sovereignty of God. To be assured that the LORD knows the beginning and end of all things is a balm to the Christian’s soul. Sovereignty gives birth to peace. However, for those perishing, it is a frightening doctrine. God’s sovereignty is a dreadful reminder that they are not in control of their lives. It is a mirror reflecting their frailty and insignificance.
Reflecting on the sovereign providence of God, the authors of the Westminster Confession of Faith wrote, “God, from all eternity, did, by the most wise and holy counsel of His own will freely, and unchangeably ordain whatsoever comes to pass” (3:1). Several thoughts from this profound statement are worth noting.
God’s plans are eternal because He is eternal. John writes that God is “the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Rev 22:13). Only God can justify the name “I AM WHO I AM” (Ex 3:14).
God’s plans are wise because He is wise. Paul writes, “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ…to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever” (Rom 16:25-27). The Lord’s wisdom and understanding are infinite (Ps. 147:5).
God’s plans are holy because He is holy. The seraphim cry out, “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory” (Is 6:3). God’s holiness is His beauty—the sum and total of all His divine attributes. God’s holiness guarantees the perfection and goodness of all His sovereign plans. The Christian rests in the LORD’S sovereignty, because he knows the LORD is good.
God ordains whatsoever comes to pass. Luck, chance, and fate are not Christian words. We believe that all things happen for a reason, and that all things are ordained by God. The Christian never fears the “suddenness” of an event. Though it may be a surprise to him, he realizes that it is not a surprise to God. The event was decreed prior to the foundation of the world, and so there is nothing sudden about it.
God reminded Israel of His sovereignty through the prophet Jeremiah who wrote, “’For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope” (Jer 29:11). The doctrine of God’s sovereignty gives the Christian hope. Regardless of your circumstances, you can trust the LORD’S sovereign control and look to Him with confident expectation. He is with you, and He will not forsake you. He has ordained the events that are taking place and is using them for His eternal glory and your eternal good.
Take a moment to thank the LORD for His sovereign control of your life!
Bible Study Opportunities:
- Wednesday morning (ladies): Ladies meet at Christ Church on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. for a time of discussion, followed by Studies in the Pentateuch from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Childcare is available.
- Wednesday evening (all): All are welcomed to attend this study on Wednesday evenings at Christ Church from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Childcare is not available.
- Thursday morning (men): Men meet at BB&T on Assembly Street Thursday mornings from 6:50 a.m. to 7:10 a.m. for a time of breakfast and fellowship, followed by Studies in the Pentateuch from 7:10 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Corporate Prayer
“Prayer is not intended to change God’s purpose, nor is it to move Him to form fresh purposes. God has decreed that certain events shall come to pass through the means He has appointed for their accomplishment.” – A. W. Pink
Dear saints,
Please pray that all the saints at Christ Church will be mighty in the Word and thus more mighty in their private and corporate prayer. We will be holding forth a time of corporate prayer this Saturday beginning at 5:30 PM when we will be coming together to pray for the physical and spiritual needs within our body. I exhort you to make this “spiritual sacrifice of worship,” for it is in this corporate setting that the Lord often times magnifies and reveals Himself by the granting of miracles. I will give testimony to such a miracle that Cindy and I witnessed just this morning. Please come, for the Lord is blessed, you are blessed and the church body is blessed. May the Lord so move your heart.
