January 19, 2025 | Pastor Nathan Johnson
In a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable, it’s easy to wonder who’s really in charge. As we witness political upheavals, natural disasters, and societal changes, we might find ourselves asking, “Is God still in control?” The resounding answer is yes – God is, and always will be, in control!
The Psalmist’s Question
The ancient writer of Psalm 2 pondered a similar question: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” It’s a query born not just of curiosity, but of incredulity. How can anyone rage against the very God who created them, sustains them, and loves them? It seems unthinkable, yet we see it happening all around us.
People often imagine they can ignore God, overthrow His authority, or dismiss His relevance. But as the Psalmist points out, this is a vain and empty pursuit. Can we truly outthink, outrun, or outweigh the Almighty? Our thoughts are not His thoughts; His are higher. We move through time, but God exists beyond it. He is never late, always on time.
God’s Position
In response to humanity’s rebellion, what does God do? He keeps His seat. The commotion doesn’t make Him nervous or anxious. In fact, the Bible tells us that God laughs – not out of amusement, but at the absurdity of creatures thinking they can overpower their Creator.
This laughter, however, can turn to anger. We’ve seen glimpses of God’s power in natural disasters like fires, hurricanes, and floods. While we should have empathy for those affected, these events remind us that we are not as in control as we might think. God can reach us anywhere, even behind the walls of our gated communities.
Jesus: The Only Way
In the midst of this, God makes His choice clear: Jesus Christ is His royal Son, the only way to salvation. There are no alternatives, despite what some popular speakers might claim. Jesus Himself said, “No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). This isn’t just about a sweet baby in a manger or a compassionate teacher–it’s about the conquering King who will return to “handle business.”
The Lord’s Instructions
Even in the face of humanity’s rebellion, God continues to instruct us, offering chances for redemption. His instructions are clear:
- Serve the Lord with reverence: Worship isn’t a clown show or mere entertainment. It’s about standing before a holy God with respect and awe.
- Rejoice with trembling: We should express our joy in God unashamedly. If people can get excited about sports teams, how much more should we be moved by the goodness of God?
- Kiss the Son: This is an act of submission and commitment to Jesus Christ. We should humble ourselves before the eternal King with great reverence.
Taking Refuge in Him
Those who take refuge in God will be blessed. This blessing isn’t about material prosperity, but about being fortunate, well-off in peace and joy, highly favored, and constantly helped by God. Even when life is hard—and it will be— we can trust that God is fighting our battles.
An old hymn captures this truth beautifully:
“Harder yet may be the fight,
Right may often yield to might,
Wickedness a while may reign,
Satan’s cause may seem to gain,
But there is a God who rules above
With hand of power and heart of love,
If I am right, He’ll fight my battle,
I shall have peace some day.”
The Choice Before Us
The message is clear: God has identified who will be in charge—Jesus Christ. Our response to this truth is crucial. Romans 10:9 tells us, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
This isn’t about cleaning yourself up first or fixing your life before coming to God. It’s about coming just as you are, acknowledging your need for Jesus, and allowing Him to transform you from the inside out.
Repentance isn’t primarily about changing your actions (though that will come). It’s about changing your mind – your attitude towards Jesus and your need for Him. You can reform your behavior and still not be regenerated. True repentance leads to a new life in Christ.
A Call to Decision
In light of these truths, we’re faced with a decision. Will we align ourselves with God’s plan, submitting to Jesus as Lord? Or will we continue in vain attempts to run our own lives, ignoring the One who holds all things together?
The fires in Los Angeles, the hurricanes that have devastated cities, and other natural disasters remind us that we’re not as in control as we’d like to think. More importantly, they remind us that time is short. We don’t know when our last day will come, or when Christ will return.
Now is the time to decide. Don’t put it off. You don’t need to have everything figured out or be perfect. Come as you are, with all your questions, doubts, and struggles. Let Jesus take control of your life, and watch as He gradually walks you away from the things that don’t align with His character.
Remember, God is still in control. Presidents come and go. Administrations change. But God’s sovereignty remains constant. In a world of uncertainty, this truth offers an unshakeable hope. Will you choose to rest in that hope today?
Let’s Talk about it…