Meditation

08/18/2021

“We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. ‘When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” (Joshua 2:10-11)

The revelation in God’s historical acts was not confined to Israel. Canaanites heard the news and reacted in fear. Some, like Rahab, became true believers. Historical revelation allows knowledge of God to be accessible to people far beyond a select group with secret information.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

Precious Abba, throughout history, You have taken acts to assure Your people of victory in battle, in dealings with other nations, and also politically. Abba, let us always come before Your throne of grace, it good times and bad, to seek our Your wisdom and help if it be within Your will. It is in Christ Jesus’ name that we pray. Amen

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:

“No one ‘chills out’ in the fires of hell.”

KNOWING GOD:

“This is the inscription that was written: ‘Mene, Mene, Tekel, Parsin’ This what these words mean: Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians. Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothes in purpose, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom. That very night Belshazzar, king of he Babylonians was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.” (Daniel 5:25-31)

Every earthly kingdom is subject to God. God is not Ruler only of Israel’s history. He directs all history to His goals and purposes. God can punish any ruler, no matter how much earthly power the ruler may exercise.

I AM:

“Then I looked up—-and there before me were four horns! ‘I asked the angel who was speaking to me, ‘What are these?’ He answered me, ‘These are the horns that scattered Judah, Israel and Jerusalem.’ Then the Lord showed me four craftsmen. I asked, ‘What are these coming to do?’ He answered, ‘These are the horns that scattered Judah so that no one could raise his head, but the craftsmen have come to terrify them and throw down these horns of the nations who lifted up their horns against the land of Judah to scatter its people.’” (Zechariah 1:18-21)

God’s universal control of history is revealed in His power to punish the conquering nations as well as use them to discipline His people. Power may appear to be in the hands of proud rulers, but they exercise it only as God permits them to.

SECOND THOUGHT of the DAY:

“From one man he made every nations of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live.” (Acts 17:26)

Beloved, God controls the history of all peoples, not just believers. He has exercised control since creation and has been concerned with the historical circumstances of all people. Each people has an opportunity to reach out to God. In addition, this one verse has been used to defend racism on the grounds that certain ethnic groups should “go back to where they came from” or “stay where they belong.” The verse is part of he larger context of Paul’s sermon on Mars Hill dealing with the sovereignty of God. Thus, the primary discussion is God-centered or theological and not man-centered or anthropological. Rather than supporting God-ordained racial superiority, this verse portrays the encompassing love of God for all people. From creation onward we share common characteristics as members of God’s created family. Creation joins us together rather than separates us. This I believe and this I profess.