“No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good. This is what he requires of you: do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Mal. 6:8).
What Does the Lord Need?
We live in a time when justice, righteousness, mercy, grace and humility seem irrelevant. Facts don’t seem to matter. We are experiencing a state of sudden change as a nation. This is due to the precarious state of American democracy, its challenges, and current threats. There is no doubt that the majority of us wish to live in more stable times.
The crisis of disinformation and political cultism expanded recently. People became skeptical of the government. Their trust in democratic institutions eroded due to conflicting narratives. Divisive rhetoric further contributed to this erosion. I wondered what is happening to America? I believed that America was in at a moment of truth. A time when a person or thing is tested. A decision has to be made. A crisis has to be faced. “Are we truly one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all”? Have we reached a historic tipping point as a nation and the Church? The United States has become the divided states as disunity and conflicts abound.
In the final days of Jesus’ earthly ministry, the Jews reached a tipping point in their rebellion against God. Nations, kings, and ordinary men arrive at tipping points, from which they retreat, or pass on to judgment.
Scripture teaches that wisdom and knowledge of the Lord will be the stability of our times. “The Lord is exalted. He dwells on high. He filled Zion with justice and righteousness. He will be the stability of your times. Abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge will be yours. The fear of the Lord is Zion’s treasure” (Is. 33:5-6).
Psalm 33:12 says, “Happy (blessed) is the nation whose God is the Lord.” This nation is the people whom he has chosen as his heritage.” The blessing comes with the responsibility to do what is right. It also involves the responsibility to love mercy and walk humbly with God.
The importance of having knowledge and wisdom during this time of upheaval among the nations can’t be understated. Knowledge is liberating, powerful, and the basis for successful transformation. Transformation involves significant change, alteration, or major development; but the most dynamic changes are internal in variation. A change of heart or mindset. A lack of knowledge leads to fear, ignorance, failure, and an inability to take control of human life. Parents instruct their children on how to behave. This guidance helps transform their behavior from the selfishness of a two-year-old. It guides them to the maturity of a young adult. Before one can change, a person must hear about a different way on understanding life.
Spiritual knowledge about God frees one from the fear of an unknown God who acts capriciously and without principle.
Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge! Because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children”. The phrase “people perish for a lack of knowledge” emphasizes the importance of knowledge in human life. Without proper knowledge of God and His ways people perish. This was true during Old and New Testament history and it is still true today. Without God or the knowledge of God people perish. They cast off restraint and are left to their own devices which can lead to destruction.
God is immutable. He does not change. The immutability of God (His quality of not changing) is clearly taught throughout Scripture. For example, in Malachi 3:6 God affirms, “I the Lord do not change.” (See Numbers 23:19; 1 Samuel 15:29; Isaiah 46:9-11; and Ezekiel 24:14.)
The dangers we are facing today can be due to a lack of knowledge of God’s ways. Another reason not knowing or understanding His sovereignty over creation and nations. The Bible presents a comprehensive view of God’s sovereignty over nations, emphasizing His authority, purpose, and redemptive work throughout history. This divine sovereignty assures believers of God’s control and invites them to join in His unfolding plan for the world.
The concept of God’s sovereignty over nations is a central theme in the Bible. It reflects the belief that God exercises supreme authority and control over all earthly kingdoms and rulers. This sovereignty is clear throughout Scripture. God is depicted as the ultimate ruler who establishes nations. He governs and judges according to His divine will and purpose. “For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations (Ps. 22:28).
Psalm 22:28 emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all nations. It asserts that “for the kingdom is the Lord’s, and He rules over the nations.” This verse reflects the ultimate authority and dominion of God. It portrays Him as the rightful ruler of the earth and its people. It serves as a powerful reminder of divine governance and the unity of humanity under His reign. This inspires trust and submission to His will. These virtues transcend all cultures and generations.
Without understanding God’s sovereignty, we easily fall prey to false teachings that do not reveal the heart of God. We do not fully grasp His precepts and principles. As a result, we become vulnerable to false teachings about the knowledge of God and His sovereignty over nations. The word nation in this context means ethnicity …
This verse is often cited as proof that God is unchanging and constant. This is a valid point to take from this part of Scripture. At the same time, there is an extra idea being put forth here. The key concept in this verse is the word “therefore.” This links the two points being made in the proper order.
Blessings,
Minister A. Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 