Devotional for January 31, 2024
Our God is Sovereign
By: BJ Ibach
Acts 5:33-39(a)
33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”
Often when I read these verses, I focus on verse 39 - “if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.”
Here is another angle - the success is not dependent on me. Obedience is important, for sure. But the purpose of obedience is not so that God’s plan will play out properly; God is sovereign and God’s plan is sovereign. To me, the purpose of obedience is to prepare my heart to notice God’s work and sovereignty around me. When I am obedient, I am more aware of God’s work around me and the every- day miracles around me. I don’t take things for granted, and I am able to walk with a peace that transcends my understanding, which is a gift from God.
If it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; it will not fail. And God invites us in to participate in His plan and to have a front row seat to experience His love, His joy, His peace, His patience, His kindness, His goodness, His faithfulness, His gentleness, His self-control, His sovereignty. What an invitation!!
Moment of Worshipful Reflection:
Listen to "Even If" by MercyMe and spend time in praise thanking God for His sovereign plan and wonderful mercy. Thank Jesus for the opportunity to walk with Him in a peace that transcends all understanding, then ask Him to prepare your heart to notice His work and sovereignty around you as you go about your day.
By: BJ Ibach
Acts 5:33-39(a)
33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”
Often when I read these verses, I focus on verse 39 - “if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them.”
Here is another angle - the success is not dependent on me. Obedience is important, for sure. But the purpose of obedience is not so that God’s plan will play out properly; God is sovereign and God’s plan is sovereign. To me, the purpose of obedience is to prepare my heart to notice God’s work and sovereignty around me. When I am obedient, I am more aware of God’s work around me and the every- day miracles around me. I don’t take things for granted, and I am able to walk with a peace that transcends my understanding, which is a gift from God.
If it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; it will not fail. And God invites us in to participate in His plan and to have a front row seat to experience His love, His joy, His peace, His patience, His kindness, His goodness, His faithfulness, His gentleness, His self-control, His sovereignty. What an invitation!!
Moment of Worshipful Reflection:
Listen to "Even If" by MercyMe and spend time in praise thanking God for His sovereign plan and wonderful mercy. Thank Jesus for the opportunity to walk with Him in a peace that transcends all understanding, then ask Him to prepare your heart to notice His work and sovereignty around you as you go about your day.