SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 21
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. [Proverbs 21:1]
“Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. [John 19:10-11]
From Jesus perspective, Pilate is not sovereign, God is!
Even King Solomon, a king himself, recognized this.
But this raises the tension between God’s sovereign control and human freedom.
Are we just puppets, and God calls the shots?
Was Pilate an innocent victim in God’s master scheme to crucify Jesus?
Are we all innocent victims in God’s master plan?
First of all, we need to be honest and admit that the bible does often speak about God’s sovereign control over all things (what christians have debated as “election” and “predestination”) – see for example Romans 9:17-20].
But secondly, we need to accept that the bible also speaks about human freedom and responsibility, that we make choices and these choices matter.
All of these proverbs indicate that we have choices to make, and that God discerns the heart and the motive behind our actions.
God is pleased when we do what is right; God is angered when we do what is wrong.
If it is all pre-determined, then how can God blame us?
My understanding is as follows: we were created free.
We messed up and this world is careening towards disaster.
God maintains the delicate balance between honouring our freedom, yet protecting us and the world from ultimate disaster.
God directs our freedom by His grace, while honouring our freedom.
He chooses, and we choose, and somehow it all fits together.
Yes, it is a mystery; logically speaking, it is impossible.
Everything God does and allows in my life is His way of trying to get my attention, to call me back to Him and to prompt me to make wise choices.
Like Solomon, by paying attention to my experience of life, or observing the experience of others, I can learn valuable life lessons that will show me the wisdom of God’s will and way.
Wisdom speaks for itself, for any who are willing to listen.
At the end of the day, those who come to their senses and humble themselves before God will say – it is all grace, God gets all the credit.
And those who refuse to accept God and is way will say – this is my choice, I only get what I deserve!
PRAYER:
Lord, I cannot explain the mystery of Your sovereign control and our freedom of choice. But one thing I see, that if it wasn’t for Your grace, I would not be where I am today! Thank You, Lord!
‘The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart. To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.’
These are the verse which became highlightred as I read them. I must do what is right and just sounds like the words of Micah ‘ and what does the Lord God require of you/me? I must persue the right way always. I need to start the day with God and end the day with Him and all the inbetween time is His also. I am not my own but belong to my Lord and Saviour. It is He who gives me the vistory, who gives me the rest. Each and every day belongs to the Lord and the vistory is His – the accomplishments are His since He has given me the power, the insights, the strength to live each day for Him.
I am able to do all things through Him who gives me strength. I am free to serve Him. I can do all things as long as it is according to His Word. Thank You Lord foe being my Rock, my Strength, my Salvation.
My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.