Kings, kingdoms and the course of history

This morning I read these words as I walked through my morning time in the word of God,

^{Rev. 17:17} For God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to hand over to the beast their royal authority, until God’s words are fulfilled.

It struck me that God will, in the last days, orchestrate the events that will seem to be completely out of control. When the events of the last days seem to be most out of control it is, in fact, a time when God is most in control. All of the events and rulers will work to accomplish his will and bring him glory.

Then my thoughts raced to another verse I've talked about often,

^{Psalm 29:10} The LORD sat as King at the flood;

Yes, the LORD sits as King forever.

At the worse time in recorded history, the flood of Noah's day, God is seated on the throne, fully in control. In a time when any ruler would worry about his kingdom God is seated, reigning, in charge of the events of history.

We long for peace and prosperity. The things that upset our peace and prosperity are disasters and rulers. Either one, a bad ruler or horrible disaster, can upset our lives and create fear, panic and financial ruin. But clearly, from two short verses, it is evident that God is in charge of both of these arenas. If he controls rulers and disasters he can care for us through the rulers and events around us.

God makes even bigger claims when he declares,

^{Psalm 95:3} For the LORD is the great God,

the great King above all gods.

⁴ In his hand are the depths of the earth,

and the mountain peaks belong to him.

⁵ The sea is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

⁶ Come, let us bow down in worship,

let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;

⁷ for he is our God

and we are the people of his pasture,

the flock under his care.

God claims to be the God above all other contenders. He is our God, he is sovereign, and so he can declare this amazing promise to us,

Romans 8:28 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.

On a morning when a horrible earthquake has struck Japan and killed hundreds, on a day when other countries are in chaos over unjust rulers, in a time when the future causes fear, know that there is a king seated on the throne of heaven and he is in charge of the rulers and events of our world. Rest in him, trust him, know that he will work for the good of those who love him.....even when evil men rule, even when disasters strike.