The sovereign God is able to do whatever he decides and to fully achieve his purpose for creation.
Some of these quotations remind me of a movie I saw a few years back.
It was called “Bella” and was based on a true love story about how events that happened one day in New York City changed the lives of three people forever.
As the opening titles were being shown, Jose, the hero of the story, was heard to say in a quiet voice-over,
“My grandmother used to say,
‘If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.’’’
I have never forgotten that line.
I think Solomon would also agree. He said,
“People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord’s will is going to be done.”
[ Proverbs 19 : 21 GNT ]
* * * * *
Have you ever thought about the consequences of God not being sovereign, of God not being in control?
It raises the prospect that any of his plans can be undone at any time.
He might be over-ruled by someone or something else.
Something might turn up that he wasn’t expecting, that catches him off-guard.
His plan to save the world through Jesus might be unravelled or circumvented in the future.
The possibilities are endless – and way too scary to think about.
He just has to be sovereign or he is not God.
Just as God is love, he is sovereign or Lord.
* * * * *
What About Freewill?
That’s another good question.
If God is the Creator-Owner of all and is in control of all he created, then where does this thing called “freewill” fit into the picture?
I know humankind’s freewill is proudly proclaimed in the world, indeed highly valued and promoted in many Christian churches.
But let me say something else that might shock you.
Freewill is a myth.
Not the “will” part, but the “free” part.
As Dan Sheridan says, “There is only room for one person to have freewill in this universe – and it’s not us.”
God, in his sovereignty, has given us the authority and ability to make choices in many areas of our lives, but those choices are never made freely.
They are never free from one sort of influence or another.
* * * * *
God has a plan for all of us.
We have the authority to exercise our wills and make all the choices we want, but these will only determine the quality of the journey – they can only make the journey wonderful or dangerous.
* * * * *
"The Really Good News About God" has now been published in various formats. You can purchase a copy by clicking the "Buy the Book" link.