God Is Still Large and In Charge
In a recent New
York Times editorial, the writer wondered why poor people do not rise up
against the increasing inequality and the deterioration of their own situations
from healthcare losses, job possibilities dwindling, educational costs rising,
and other disappearing opportunities. He
responds, “The answer is that those bearing the most severe costs of inequality
are irrelevant to the agenda-setters in both parties. …They may have a voice in
urban politics, but on the national scene they no longer fit into the schema of
the left or the right. They are pushed to the periphery except for a brief
moment on Election Day when one party wants their votes counted, and the other
doesn’t.”
As one who participated in the sixties direct action movements and
who protested against the various isms of the age, I have also wondered why
there isn’t more outrage against man’s inhumanity to man conducted bloodlessly
through institutional arrangements that benefit some and hurt others. But thank God, in spite of how it looks, we
don’t have to rise up in arms; He is in control and not man. Although injustice may permeate our system,
our God has all of our leaders under His control (Proverbs 21:1).
The best thing is that we don’t have to rail against what is
happening in society, God is working all of these events for our good (Romans 8:28). No matter who is a billionaire or pauper, in
power or out of power, we can safely and contentedly know that God is for me (Psalm 56:9). We can also know that if we are willing and
obedient, we will receive good things from Him (Isaiah 1:19). God has
instructed us not to worry or fret about people doing bad things as a group or
individually (Psalm 37:1-2, Psalm
37:7-8).
We can rejoice knowing that, for those who love God, our life
successes lie in obedience to Him and in praising and worshipping the only God
our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Proverbs 21:1
New International Version (NIV)
21 In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he
channels toward all who please him.
Romans 8:28
New International Version (NIV)
New International Version (NIV)
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love
him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Psalm 56:9
New International Version (NIV)
New International Version (NIV)
9 Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this
I will know that God is for me.
Isaiah 1:19
New International Version (NIV)
19 If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of
the land;
Psalm 37:1-2
New International Version (NIV)
1 Do
not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do
wrong;
2 for
like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die
away
Psalm 37:7-8
New International Version (NIV)
New International Version (NIV)
7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not
fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked
schemes.
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do
not fret—it leads only to evil.
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