THE SOVEREIGN LORD

JOHN 20:19–29

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and My God!”

(John 20:28).

Let us consider the dimension of God’s character that is most clearly communicated by the title Lord, or in Hebrew Adonai. That attribute is God’s sovereignty.

Lord of the Kingdom

The word “sovereignty” is virtually an anathema to many American people. From the early stages of childhood, Americans are subtly educated to despise sovereignty. We pride ourselves in our independence, our freedom, and our democratic spirit. But the Kingdom of God is not a democracy. When the Lord speaks in the Old Testament, He utters His law unilaterally. He does not rule by referendum. The Ten Commandments are not the “ten suggestions.” God simply says, “Thou shalt not,” exercising absolute authority over His creation and over His people.

Sovereignty is essential to God’s essence. The moment we negotiate on this point or dilute the concept of sovereignty, we are playing around with God’s character. Think about it: If God is not sovereign, God is not God.

Lord of my life

If you or I worship a God who is not sovereign, we are worshiping an idol. Idols can be controlled. They can be dominated. But when I stand before Almighty God, I am standing before the One who has absolute authority over my life, an authority that is based on authorship. He has created me, and everything I have that is of value I receive from Him. He is my King. He is my Sovereign.

When we come into church on Sunday morning, and bow our knees and fold our hands, we say to Almighty God, “ ‘Have Thine own way, Lord, have Thine own way. Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.’ You are the Authority, the Sovereign One. I am subordinate.”

God is not an absentee landlord accepting rent from His tenants one day a week. Our acknowledgement of God’s sovereignty must not be limited to Sunday. It must be the attitude of our hearts every day.

CORAM DEO

The Bible is the Law-Word of the Sovereign King, not merely the advice of a good friend. It reveals the extent of God’s sovereignty and the required response of man. Read Psalm 119:129–144 and consider whether your “zeal has consumed you” in delighting to obey God’s sovereign commandments and precepts.

wednesday

february