Thoughts for another day

Jan. 18, 2010

Today's verse: Dan. 4:17. This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

In the Bible we learn that the world and all its fullness belong to the Lord, Pss. 24:1, 50:12, etc. In reading it we know that God is Sovereign and none can come in the way He wishes to operate, as none has the power or the right to educate the Creator of all things. Sometimes we who are close to God feel we own Him so whatever He does has to be only for us. Of course if the intent is because of a noble desire of sharing in the awesomeness and power of God then we’re right in doing that as it also speaks of our faith in Him. But it’s wrong when in our pride and arrogance; we try to appropriate God for ourselves as if He is not God of the entire world but only our God.

We see this attitude among the Jews in the Bible, particularly concerning the incidents of Elijah going and abiding with the widow of Zarephath and the cure of the Sryian, Naaman. The Jews who felt that their God would only be for them and not for others, couldn’t understand this. Besides, this same attitude is also seen when the apostles started making disciples of the people after Pentecost when the Jewish Christians felt that Jesus and salvation, was for them alone.

But our above verse declares God’s stand very clearly. He is the owner of the earth and no matter if we do not see His hand, we ought to know He rules. Without His consent, there’s nothing that can happen. All things on the earth are only because He allows it. And since all things belong to Him alone, He deems it fit to give it to whoever He wants. After all, isn’t it proper for the owner to do as He feels fit with what He owns? It would be prudent for us to bear this in mind, before we demand something from God and sulk if He doesn’t provide it to us.