Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
Job 37-38
Saturday:Jeremiah 32-36
Sunday:Luke 1-2
Ronald Reagan, the fortieth president of the United States, was shot by John Hinckley Jr. in an attempted assassination in 1981. I was in 6th grade and can remember my teacher allowing us to watch the television as the events unfolded. In the confusion of that day, perplexity reigned at the White House. The burning question was: Who was actually in charge? George Bush, the vice president, was not present. At that point, Alexander Haig, the secretary of state, took it upon himself to fill the leadership vacuum Stepping in front of a live television camera, Haig uttered those now famous words: “As of this moment, I am in charge here.” But he was wrong. The secretary of state was not next in line of command, the vice president was.
This same confusion reigns in the minds of many people today about who is in charge of the universe. Is God governing the affairs of men? Or is man controlling his own lot in life with all its events? Some believe it might be Satan who reigns? What about fate? Has some blind, impersonal force fixed the order of circumstances? Who or what is in charge?
Much like Alexander Haig’s misguided statement, many people today assign control of the world to everyone and everything but God. But the truth is that God is in charge. He alone is governing this universe, ruling and reigning over the present condition of every living person without interfering with their free will to make decisions. This is the message of Scripture. Our Lord is controlling all events and circumstances for His glory and the good of His people.
This fourth and final speech of Elihu in Job 37 drove home this monumental truth in the midst of Job’s suffering. The same God who governs the storms of nature controls the storms of life. Therefore, Job should put his trust and confidence in God, who causes all things to work together for good. This is the towering truth and source of hope given by Elihu to Job. It is a message that strengthens the hearts of God’s people.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to acknowledge and act upon the truth that you are in charge.
- Lord, please help me to grow in the midst of trials so you alone can be glorified.
- Lord, please help me to humbly acknowledge your control of the universe and the events in my life.
Political
- Representative Sarah Anthony – District 068 – Lansing
- Senator Tom Barrett – District 024 – Pottersville
- Senator Rosemary Bayer – District 012 – Auburn Hills