How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. 2 Samuel 7:22 NIV
We rarely use the word sovereign today. Instead, our minds likely carry us back to the days of yore when monarchs ruled. But, as we know, any form of government by man doesn't mean just and proper rule. You can read the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles for examples of good and bad kings and queens.
King David uses sovereign in a different context in this prayer of praise. In calling God his Sovereign Lord, he is giving Him a title of reverence. David recognizes the dynamics of the relationship; while David is a king, God is the King. He also acknowledges the vastness of God's reign. David ruled a kingdom; God reigns the Kingdom. God's rule isn't over one nation but over all creation, and it is just and righteous.
How does David come to this understanding of God's sovereignty? Indeed, he has heard the stories of God's covenant with Abraham, the formation of the tribe of Israel, and their deliverance, but there is more. David not only has heard but accepted and experienced God for himself. Today's text says he "went in and sat before the Lord." How personal is that? As we read his many Psalms, we hear him tell of the countless ways he has been blessed and delivered.
We, too, have encountered God in this way. We recall our many blessings and the countless times He has come to our aid. We remember the depths of his compassion and love through the acts of Jesus Christ. Finally, we acknowledge that God brought order from chaos in the beginning and continues to order all creation for his divine purpose. It is right then that we call him our Sovereign Lord.
Sovereign Lord, we give you our humble thanks and praise and confess there is no one like you. You created the world and all that is in it. When we turned away, in your love, you pursued us. Through Jesus Christ, you offered us redemption. You order the events of the world for your purpose, even turning the evil of man into good. Father, may your will be done within our hearts through Jesus Christ and with the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Shalom,
Pastor Tim
Comments