Who is in charge?

This morning, at L'Église Evangélique Libre in Bergerac, the message was based on Psalm 33:13. However, as I followed reading, my eyes caught the earlier verses in the Psalm, particularly vs.10-11. I read: "YHWH frustrates the plans of the nations and thwarts all their schemes.   But YHWH's plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken."

What wonderful words those are!  We live in an age of increasing tension; of nations either attempting to band together in opposition (whether military, economic, or whatever) to other nations, or coalitions of nations; of terrorism at a level that may well be unparalleled in human history.  Many are in despair. Financial markets are apparently facing total melt-down.  Where can anyone turn?

Those words of the Psalmist remind us that, in the words of the old adage - "Man proposes; but God disposes".  In other words, mankind does not have the last word!  How can this be?  The answer to that question is found in words like those of the prophet Isaiah: "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose,' " (Isa 46:9-10; emphasis added).  Or we might consider these words form the Book of the Revelation given to John: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." (Rev 22:13).  I deal with this more fully in the chapter on Eternity in my book "Great Words of the Faith" (see above!) but, basically, Almighty God sees everything from the perspective of eternity.  This means that He is not bound, as we are, by time. From His vantage point, He sees all of time simultaneously!  What is, to us, "future" is, to Him, "now"!

So, let men (I use the term generically) who think that they are something make their grandiose plans. Let them plot and scheme to bring about their desires.  At the end of the day, Almighty God is in charge, and for that we may be truly thankful. People with authority make decisions that affect the destinies of nations - but when God is not permitted to rule, He over-rules, for His will shall be accomplished.

The story is told that, in the heat of the American Civil War, one of President Lincoln's advisers said that he was grateful that God was on the side of the Union. Lincoln replied: "Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."

On whose side are you?  Who is in charge in your life?  May I commend the Creator of all that is; the One Who, alone, knows the end from the beginning?  Others will let you down; He never will.

It's not over yet!

So, the House of Commons has voted to legalise same-sex marriage by a margin of 400 votes to 175.  Already the supporters of the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill seem to think that the battle has, effectively, been won.  However, there is an old saying that, "It's not over until the fat lady sings" - and that stage has not yet been reached!  

As I understand it, the Bill now has to go through at least one Committee stage, during which amendments may be made.  It then has to go to the House of Lords - and the Upper House has the option of returning it to the House of Commons.  This is where things could get really interesting!  My understanding (again!) is that, because the issue was not in any of the Party manifestos; and because it was not in the Queen's Speech at the opening of the current Parliamentary session; the Parliamentary Act (1949) may not be invoked.  This Act curtailed the power of the House of Lords, and reduced the Lords' delaying power over legislation to one year, ensuring that it cannot, indefinitely, overturn decisions of the House of Commons.  If my understanding is correct, then the House of Lords may, in this specific situation, delay the passage of the Bill right up until the next General Election!  As that is more than two years away, who knows what will have happened in the intervening period?!

Of one thing I remain certain - that God is Sovereign!  He is also the Alpha and the Omega; the Beginning and the End.  He has not been phased by this decision.  From His vantage point of eternity - a dimension far beyond anything that we are capable of even imagining, let alone understanding - He sees all of created time simultaneously.  He already knows the final outcome of this attempt to redefine that which He instituted at the very beginning of time.  And, of course, He is working all things out in accordance with His ultimate will and purpose.

So we do not lose heart.  We work; we pray; we submit to the Father's will.  To Him be all the glory!