The Sovereignty of God Over Nations: A Call to Fidelity in a Fallen World By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: The LORD reigns; let the peoples tremble! He dwells between the cherubim; let the earth be moved! (Psalm 99:1)
Introduction
In an era defined by political turmoil, moral decline, and an insatiable lust for power, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the apparent chaos of the world. The leaders of nations, blinded by pride and a false sense of invincibility, act as though their dominion is absolute and eternal. They make decisions that bring forth ruin, corruption, and misery upon their people, believing they are in full control. However, the divine message before us offers a profound and sobering counter-narrative. It reminds us that there is a higher authority, a Living God who has ultimate dominion over all nations and all of humanity.
This lesson will delve into the profound truths revealed in the text, exploring the folly of human pride and the inevitable consequences of a nation's purposeful rebellion against its Creator. It will examine why nations stray from the path of righteousness, the devastating effects of their choices, and the ultimate accountability they will face. More importantly, this lesson serves as a beacon of hope for God's people, a call to live in fidelity and sanity amidst the madness of a world that has forgotten its Maker. We will explore what it means to be a citizen of God’s kingdom, to stand firm in truth, and to be thankful for divine protection and guidance in a time when many have chosen a path of destruction and death.
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The Illusion of Human Power and the Reality of Divine Dominion
The opening lines of the text immediately dismantle the common human assumption of absolute power. "It is Me the Living God who has dominion over the nations. While men and women imagine themselves to be in power, they are not." This is a foundational truth upon which all other principles rest. Human leaders may believe they are in control, but their power is fleeting and conditional. Their downfall is often a direct result of their hearts straying far from God, a spiritual "whoring after delusion and confusion." They have abandoned the very dictates of God that were given for the purpose of ensuring "sanity and safety" for humanity.
This self-deception is fueled by pride and what is metaphorically called the "drunkenness of the same." Pride blinds leaders, making them believe their power will "last forever." This is a fatal misconception, as their kingdoms, built on "the wretchedness of wickedness," are destined to fall. The text is unequivocal: those who refuse to repent will be abhorred by God. This is not a vindictive act but a righteous response to a deliberate choice for evil. God does not create men and women for evil; they choose it by giving themselves over to demonic influences. Their rebellion is a purposeful act of hard-heartedness, and as a consequence, they will not have a part in God's eternal kingdom.
The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. (Proverbs 21:1)
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The Folly of Nations Who Forget Their Maker
A central theme of the text is the tragic fate of nations that once knew God but have since chosen to turn away. Such nations, by choosing to worship "other gods and serve other masters," are proven to be "fools" serving "lies." This departure is not a simple mistake; it is a profound act of rebellion that brings upon them a "cup of woe." God's judgment, described as rendering "their just rewards," is not a random punishment but a direct consequence of their mockery of His standard and their adherence to "the perversity of wickedness."
The sorrow of these nations is a "continual confusion" because they have "blatant choices to run after darkness and shun the light." They are characterized by their pride in their iniquities and their willingness to embrace demonic influence. The text makes a crucial distinction: a nation that has known God and departed from Him is "more wicked than the heathen in their blinded state." This is because their rebellion is a conscious and purposeful act against revealed truth. This multiplied sin leads to suffering for their generations, bringing "reproach on the nations" and centering them on "the misconceptions and lies of demons." Though they may see themselves as "invincible," their lack of God's blessing is evident in the "many troubles" they face.
For although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. (Romans 1:21)
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Pride, Power, and the Path to Self-Destruction
The text delves into the root cause of this national rebellion: "proud imaginations and the lust for power." These are the forces that drive nations "far from Me and into the emptiness and desolation of their choices." The consequence is not just external strife but also countless "internal problems that overwhelm and overtake the peoples and nations." Despite this, these nations, in their pride, believe they are destined to "rule the entire world." This is a dangerous deception.
This pride leads to "gross and horrid acts of violence," as leaders, unable to tolerate differing opinions, seek to have "complete control even of the thoughts" of their subjects. They are so blinded by their arrogance that they fail to recognize God's ultimate control. They plunge "headlong into the course of destruction that is awaiting them," and in their madness, they contaminate others with their "stupidity." The divine call is to avoid this path of "self-idolatry" and recognize that opposition to God is a choice for "death and damnation." Such nations are ultimately shown to be "absolute fools" entwined with evil intentions, and their folly will be made evident for all to see. The stability of "safety and sanity" that God provides is gone from them, leaving them to their deserved ruin.
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
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The Mandate for God's People in a Corrupt World
Amidst this bleak assessment of rebellious nations, the text offers a clear and distinct path for God's people. We are reminded that we are meant to be "the citizens of My kingdom, which is far above the kingdoms of this world." This identity is our anchor in a storm of wickedness. We are not to "accept the coverings of wickedness," even when earthly powers try to impose them upon us. We must remember that God "has the total dominion over nations" and can bring them down in their deserved ruination.
This is a profound call to vigilance and steadfastness. We are to be "thankful that you can still look to Me and obey the commands of My Holy Spirit." This obedience is our shield and our sanctuary, keeping us "in the midst of a wicked and perverse generation." The text encourages us to be glad to "walk uprightly and receive the truth," and to "keep yourselves in Me." In doing so, we are not only protected from the external chaos but also from the internal corruption that so easily ensnares others. The final word of encouragement is a reminder that the enemies do not rule. God has "complete dominion over the earthly powers," and His purposes and mercies are abundant for those who remain faithful.
But our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)
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Summary
This lesson, drawn from the provided text, offers a powerful and sobering perspective on the relationship between God, nations, and His people. It establishes God's ultimate dominion, exposing the illusion of human power and the arrogance of proud leaders. It details the tragic journey of nations that deliberately turn away from God, highlighting how their rebellion leads to confusion, corruption, and inevitable self-destruction. The text emphasizes that these nations are proven to be fools who bring ruin upon themselves and their generations. Finally, the lesson provides a clear mandate for God's people: to recognize their identity as citizens of a higher kingdom, to stand firm in truth and righteousness, and to remain thankful for the divine protection and sanity found only in a relationship with God. It is a clarion call to fidelity and steadfastness in a world determined to choose death over life.
Conclusion
The state of the world today is a direct reflection of nations choosing to forsake their Creator. Their pride, lust for power, and willing embrace of wickedness have led to a path of destruction. However, this is not a cause for despair for those who belong to God. By acknowledging His ultimate dominion, we can find peace and security. We are not called to fight in the world's battles but to live as citizens of God’s kingdom, standing as a testament to His righteousness. Our role is to remain faithful, to walk uprightly, and to be thankful for the light that guides our path, even as the darkness engulfs the nations.
The Call to Action
Do not be deceived by the pomp and circumstance of earthly powers. Look past the lies and delusions of human pride. Instead, examine your own heart and the choices you make. Are you walking in fidelity to God, or have you allowed the world's values to corrupt your spirit? Make a conscious choice today to renew your commitment to Him. Reject the wickedness that surrounds you and choose to be a beacon of truth in a confused world. Walk in obedience to the Holy Spirit, for it is in this obedience that you will find true safety and sanity.
A Final Word of Encouragement
Remember, the enemy does not rule, no matter how much they may appear to. God has complete dominion over all earthly powers. His purposes are ever-present, and His mercies are abundant for you. Be thankful that in this wicked and perverse generation, you have been given the light of truth and the opportunity to walk in it. Keep yourselves in Him, for He is your refuge, your strength, and your eternal hope. Do not give in to the drama of a world that is perishing; stay safe and sane in the kingdom that will never end.
Sala ya Wokovu (Prayer of Salvation)
Lord Jesus, I come to You today, seeing the confusion and darkness in the world and in my own life. I confess that I have often looked to human power and worldly solutions instead of to You. I repent of my pride and my sins. I believe that You are the Living God, the ultimate ruler of all nations, and that You died on the cross for my sins and were raised from the dead. I invite You into my heart to be my Lord and Savior. Help me to be a citizen of Your kingdom, to walk uprightly, and to trust in Your dominion over all things. Thank You for saving me and for giving me a place of refuge in You. In Your holy name, I pray. Amen.
