Friday, March 2, 2012

Aesop's Fables and the Sovereignty of God







Remember Aesop’s fable about the flea on the chariot wheel looking back and saying, "My, what a dust storm I’ve caused ?"

It seems that in many respects the church culture has created many "fleas"---Christians who feel that the universe (or this Christianity thing is all about them).

I think we need a dose of the Sovereignty of God---an infusion of Biblical teaching about our relationship toward God. How about a shot from that Old Testament sage Daniel:

 God has the power to do what He desires with His universe. "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing," Daniel wrote. "He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: What have you done?'" (4:35).


It seems that the Psalmist had it right in Psalm 8:4 when he declares:

"What are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them?"

This understanding of who God is and who we are in comparison was fully understood by the old Puritan pastor and theologians-let's listen to their voices:

  “The will of God is the supreme and first cause of all things, because nothing happens but by his command or permission” (John Calvin).

"The Sovereignty of the God of Scripture is absolute, irresistible, infinite. When we say that God is Sovereign we affirm His right to govern the universe which He has made for His own glory, just as He pleases.

 We affirm that His right is the right of the Potter over the clay, i.e., that He may mold that clay into whatsoever form He chooses, fashioning out of the same lump one vessel unto honor and another unto dishonor.

 We affirm that He is under no rule or law outside of His own will and nature, that God is a law unto Himself, and that He is under no obligation to give an account of His matters to any"  
( A.W. Pink)


"Let our hearts admit, "I am poor and weak. Satan is too subtle, too cunning, too powerful; he watches constantly for advantages over my soul.

 The world presses in upon me with all sorts of pressures, pleas, and pretences. My own corruption is violent, tumultuous, enticing, and entangling. As it conceives sin, it wars within me and against me.

 Occasions and opportunities for temptation are innumerable. No wonder I do not know how deeply involved I have been with sin. Therefore, on God alone will I rely for my keeping. I will continually look to Him" (John Owen).

Christian, drink from the fountain that fills you with an awe of the sovereignty of God. Seek to have all your needs met in His goodness and kindness. Stop looking at yourself and practice looking to your heavenly Father who promises to take you under His wing.

Father, give us a glimpse of your sovereignty---help us to get our eyes off of ourselves and place the eyes of our faith on you--Amen.



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