Tag: psa37

God’s Sovereignty Over Nations: A Truth to Rest In!

Can God humble a proud, arrogant superpower in its prime? Is God sovereign over all the nations of the earth? The Book of Nahum is a prophecy against Assyria, illustrating yes to both questions. God informs the Assyrian superpower of the following… 

“I am your enemy!” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “Your chariots will soon go up in smoke. Your young men will be killed in battle. Never again will you plunder conquered nations. The voices of your proud messengers will be heard no more.” (Nahum 2:13, NLT)

A Superpower That Lies in Ruins

In our reading, we have heard a lot about the Assyrian empire. Its capital is Nineveh, that great city that Jonah preached to. As you might recall from reading through Jonah, Nineveh repented of its sin, and God spared it of judgment. But that was short-lived. One hundred years later, Nahum is foretelling its destruction.

In Nahum 2:11, the question is asked, “Where now is that great Nineveh?” This military and affluent superpower lies in ruins just outside Mosul, Iraq. Mosul, Iraq, does not cause the nations to tremble as Nineveh once did—the old Assyrian empire is no more (Nahum 3:19). 

God’s Sovereignty Over World Events

For the believer, we can rest in the truth that God is sovereign even over all the nations. Notice what Daniel wrote in his book. 

He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. (Daniel 2:20–21, NLT)

Finding Rest in the Sovereignty of God

Sometimes, it seems like the world is out of control, but it is not. It can seem that wicked people prosper and do whatever they want, but that is not true. God is in control, and eventually, all evildoers will be cut off, and the meek will inherit the earth. In the meantime, we can find rest in God!

Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: Fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, Because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. For evildoers shall be cut off: But those that wait upon the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. (Psalm 37:7–9, KJV)

Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Nahum 1-3.

Big picture sovereignty!

The big picture of God’s sovereignty is displayed in today’s reading! Isaiah makes sweeping prophecies regarding some powerful nations. God is not overlooking any nation, including Israel. 

By way of context, notice what the Bible says: “I, the Lord, will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their sin. I will crush the arrogance of the proud and humble the pride of the mighty. (Isaiah 13:11, NLT) No nation will get away with evil. 

Isaiah now moves to address some nations specifically. Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them…And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, The beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, Shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13:17, 19, KJV) Of Assyria: The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; And as I have purposed, so shall it stand: That I will break the Assyrian in my land… (Isaiah 14:24–25, KJV) Of Moab: …But now the Lord hath spoken, saying, Within three years…the glory of Moab shall be contemned, with all that great multitude…(Isaiah 16:13–14, KJV) Of Damascus, Syria: …Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, And it shall be a ruinous heap. (Isaiah 17:1, KJV)

God is sovereign! No nation operates independently of God’s oversight and plan, and no nation gets away with its sin. I have a plan for the whole earth, a hand of judgment upon all the nations. (Isaiah 14:26, NLT) As believers, this should comfort us. There is no such thing as a nation going rogue! God is in control, working out all things according to His eternal plan (Ephesians 1:9–10). May we all humbly remember the following advice from David in Psalm 37:7–11.

Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Isaiah 13-17.

God judges the nations!

Does God pay attention to what the nations of the earth are doing, especially concerning how they treat His people? Does God have something to say about their affairs? In this morning’s text, we read of Edom. The Edomites are close relatives of Israel, descending from Esau. Israel descended from Jacob. Edom and Jacob were twin brothers. God addresses Edom’s recent actions relating to Judah. 

Several days ago, we read about Egypt invading Jerusalem. As the treasures of Jerusalem were being plundered, Edom stood by and offered no help. God noticed, and He said to Edom through the prophet Obadiah, “Because of the violence you did to your close relatives in Israel, you will be filled with shame and destroyed forever. When they were invaded, you stood aloof, refusing to help them. Foreign invaders carried off their wealth and cast lots to divide up Jerusalem, but you acted like one of Israel’s enemies. (Obadiah 10–11, NLT) Obadiah takes this further and says: For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you; your deeds shall return on your own head. (Obadiah 15, ESV) Clearly, God sees what all the nations are doing and will judge them. 

As believers today, we believe God is sovereign over all the nations. He is not aloof to what they are doing. He will execute judgment. His judgment is righteous. Violence and injustice will not go unanswered. Their smug arrogance and pride will be brought low. How should this truth impact our lives? Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. (Psalm 37:7, NKJV)

Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Obadiah 1; psalms 82-83.