FOR THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH ARE THE LORD’S; UPON THEM HE HAS SET THE WORLD (1 SAMUEL 2:8).
TODAY’S DEVOTION
One time not long after national elections in the Bahamas, someone asked me in an airport, “What do you think about your new government?”
I replied, “I only have one government.”
It doesn’t matter who occupies the prime minister’s chair or the Speaker of Parliament’s chair or the governor’s mansion; it doesn’t matter who sits on the throne and is called king or queen. There is only one government, and it belongs to Him whose throne will never move or be toppled: Almighty God, the King of kings and Lord of lords. His rule in Heaven is eternal, without beginning or end. But He also created the Earth and established His Kingdom there as well.
(God’s Big Idea, Chapter Three)
CONSIDERATIONS
1. The words earth and world are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two different things in First Samuel 2:8b,“For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; upon them He has set the world.” Describe the difference.
2. God rules directly in Heaven, but His plan for the Earth was to rule it indirectly through human representatives created in His own image. What were Adam and Eve’s responsibilities?
3. In Romans 13:1-5, Paul makes it clear that God is the true authority behind human affairs. Can you name a few modern-day countries in which the government leaders defy the rule of God?
4. It is easy to think that satan is in control of some governments, but Scripture tells us differently. List 4-5 verses that declare the sovereignty of God in world affairs.
5. Write Isaiah 45:22-23 in your own words and explain what it means to you.
MEDITATION
Satan the pretender may believe that he runs the show and controls the governments of the Earth, but it is the King of Heaven who guides human history and destiny toward His desired ends. He raises up one power and brings down another, all in accordance with His sovereign will and purpose.
(God’s Big Idea, Chapter Three)