"What He Says Goes!"

 

“What He Says Goes!”

(Thanks to Karen for the title)

 

Early in my ministry a cartoon appeared in Christianity Today depicting a preacher holding a prophecy chart with angels overhead blowing trumpets and his turning to them and saying, “You’re early!” Apparently God’s timing didn’t agree with his system! But whose is right? Jesus makes the answer clear: “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36, emphasis added). So it’s dangerous to claim to have “inside information” as to the timing of future events. Many who have done so have ended up with some serious egg on their faces.

God must roll His eyes at those who think they know His mind when He’s said, “…My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways….” (Isaiah 55:8). Many centuries before Zophar asked, “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave—what can you know?” (Job 11:7-8). And listen to the words of the Apostle Paul: “…All things happen just as (God) decided long ago.” (Ephesians 1:11, NLT). So what He says goes no matter what I or anyone else may think.

Politicians often make decisions based on public opinion polls, business executives on marketing research about people’s buying habits and (unfortunately) preachers on what attracts crowds. But God’s ways aren’t subject to the fickle ways of mankind (“But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? ‘Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?”’” (Romans 9:20)—rather, “He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?’” (Daniel 4:35).

God’s Word and purposes are sure (“Your word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.”—Psalm 119:89; “The works of his hands are faithful and just….”—Psalm 111:7). What He says goes! So let’s follow our Lord’s brother’s advice and “…submit to God.” (James 4:7, NKJV) and His ways.

 

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(With helpful input from Karen)