Thursday, December 11, 2008

4 Minute Devotions: Sovereign Lord

What does it mean for God to be our Sovereign Lord?

Ezekiel 17:22 "'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain.

Podcast version here

Recently, on the PBS channel, I watched a three part series on the British monarchy. Queen Elizabeth II is one of the 20th/21st centuries unsung heroes in the world. Just because she is a rich woman doesn’t mean that she hasn’t any cares about the world. She works hard each day representing the monarchy, but she also raises awareness of many good causes throughout the entire world.

To me, the Queen is a blessed sovereign who does not rule her people with an iron fist, but presides over the Commonwealth with a loving heart. When I look back at old photographs from World War II and see her as Princess Elizabeth in her Army uniform, I am reminded that she is person who has struggled with her people through the worst of times, and who has reigned purposefully for 55 years. She epitomizes the word ‘sovereign,’ and the modern world has been fortunate to have known such a wonderful lady.

In the Old Testament, we are reminded of the sovereignty of God over the earth many times. He rules the universe and our planet in a caring and loving way. He allows us free will, to make our own choices, but he is deeply pleased when our choices coincide with His. During those moments in our lives, God becomes our blessed sovereign and we become His blessed people.

Sin, however, permeates throughout our world and hearts, which separates us from God. Normally, a ruler would cast off those who displease him or her. In this case, God sends forth His Son to be merged and blended in the midst of our struggles, in order to show us a path that will lead us back to God. The Christ child who is born amongst us will become the Savior of the world. God’s sovereignty is such that He is willing to sacrifice everything He loves, so that we might experience everything He eternally gives.

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, we thank You for the blessing of Jesus and for His sacrifice that wrought for us salvation. We praise for ruling us with a loving and patient heart. We adore You for offering us the opportunity of eternal life. In the Holy Name of Jesus our Savior, we pray. Amen.

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