In his book, “Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands” Paul David Tripp writes about the three grand themes of the story of redemption: God’s sovereignty, His grace and His glory. today we will look at Tripp’s description of God’s sovereignty.
Nebuchadnezzar offered one of the best singe summaries of this theme after God had taken away his sanity and then restored it. He wrote:
His dominion is an eternal dominion, his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. 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?” (Dan. 4:34-35)
God’s sovereignty is not only about power and position, but also about a plan. Scripture clearly teaches that God has a plan for his world and the people in it. God is calling a people to himself, forming them into his likeness, and preparing them for an eternity with him.
This is his overarching plan of the ages, revealed in history, present in current events and in the lives of everyone who has ever lived. At any moment in time , the right answer to the question, “What is God doing?” is, “Accomplishing his plan.”
In response to humanity’s deepest, heartfelt questions, God sweetly speaks of his sovereignty. “Take heart, I am in complete control. I am the definition of holiness and love. All of my ways are right and true, all of my decisions are best, and I will not rest until my plan [for you] has been completed.
What does this mean for each of us? It means peace when I can’t understand what is happening, because our peace always rests on the presence, power and character of the Lord. Because He is sovereign and rules all, your life has meaning and purpose as you are included not only in His plan, but also in His family!
