Celebration of God's Sovereignty, Justice, and Peace

There are three foundational concepts that hold our world together, whether we consciously recognize them or not: God’s Sovereignty, Justice, and Peace. When examined through the lens of the Scriptures, these are not merely abstract ideas; rather, they function as the active, governing mechanisms of the universe. Pondering these truths allows us to gain a much clearer picture of God’s nature and our proper place within His design.

The Unshakeable Hand of Sovereignty

Sovereignty fundamentally means that God is absolutely and completely in charge over all things on earth, including all human authority.

We are given a profound look at this principle in the account of Moses and Pharaoh in Exodus 7:1-7. Moses, at the age of eighty, felt unqualified for the task, yet God conferred upon him a powerful commission. The Lord declared, “See, I have made you as God to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet.” This statement established Moses as God’s representative, authorized to speak and act with divine authority.

God did not withhold the difficulty of the mission; He informed Moses that Pharaoh would not yield because God would intentionally allow his heart to be hardened. This was designed so that God could multiply His signs and wonders, ultimately demonstrating His unparalleled power. It was a universal declaration:

“And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the children of Israel from among them.” Exodus 7:5.

This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God is executing His eternal plan, even in the face of resistance from the world's most powerful rulers. Regardless of how mighty a human leader or a worldly crisis may appear, they remain subjects acting upon God’s sovereign stage.

Justice, from Heaven Down to Earth

If God is supremely sovereign, then His justice (His divine order) must permeate everything, including human government. This essential truth is explored in Paul's instructions for us to respect and submit to governing authorities in Romans 13:1-7.

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” Romans 13:1

Governing officials are not random people with power; they are designated as “ministers of God” who serve to uphold order, enforce justice, and administer punishment for wrongdoing. Even within a flawed human system, God utilizes this framework to maintain a vital level of peace and predictability. Living rightly, which includes paying taxes, respecting established authority, and upholding civil conduct, is not merely an aspect of good citizenship; it is an active and responsible way to live peacefully under the just structure God has instituted.

The Absurdity of Earthly Power

When juxtaposed with the ultimate reality of God’s justice, human judgment can often reveal its absurdity. This contrast reaches its pinnacle in the Jesus Christ's arraignment before Pilate, documented in John 18:28-40.

Pilate, as the representative of the Roman governing authority, inquired of Jesus whether He was the King of the Jews. Christ, in His definitive response, made it clear that His sovereignty operated entirely outside of Pilate’s earthly jurisdiction:

“Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.’” John 18:36.

Jesus is King, yet His kingdom is built upon truth and peace, not military might or political coercion. Pilate acknowledged Christ’s innocence ("I find no fault in Him"), yet he ultimately chose to appease the tumultuous crowd by releasing Barabbas, a known robber and enemy of the state.

The crowd's willing selection of a symbol of crime (Barabbas) over the true King who offered eternal richness (Christ) sadly demonstrates that when human justice is permitted to issue the final decree, it often culminates in profound injustice. This serves as a stark reminder of why Christ’s higher, peaceful kingdom is the one we are ultimately called to follow.

Walking in the Light of His Peace

What is the final culmination of embracing this sovereignty and justice? It is Peace. This is the peace we possess when we wholly trust that God is meticulously in control of every circumstance, even when external conditions appear chaotic.

Psalm 89 is a magnificent celebration of God’s steadfast faithfulness, power, and might. The Psalmist assures us that our genuine strength and honor are derived solely from God’s favor. Our relationship with Him provides continuous reason for rejoicing.

The life enjoyed by those who are fully attuned to God’s presence is indeed remarkable:

“Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.” Psalm 89:15.

This “joyful sound”, whether it is the sound of the Gospel, the proclamation of God’s inherent goodness, or the daily awareness of His faithfulness, is what unlocks true peace. When believers walk in the light of God’s face, secure in the knowledge that His sovereignty is unshakeable and His justice is final, they are empowered to endure any struggle with consistent joy. This is a peace that no earthly conflict can diminish.