He Makes, He Destroys
Job 12:23 (ESV) -- He makes nations great, and he destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away.
If you watch the news, read papers, or follow social media accounts to hear about the latest happenings in the world, it is bleak. Most of these news stories are discouraging. We read about wars. We see nations rising in power and prominence while others wither and fade. Some countries ally themselves with others to gain advantages over others. Some oppress their peoples while others struggle to meet basic needs.
Our passage today reminds us that as we see these events unfold, and watch leaders rise and fall, to remember that all of it is in God’s hands. Job says, “He makes nations great, and he destroys them; he enlarges nations, and leads them away.” This verse comforts the hearts of God’s people. We are not spinning out of control.
God is over the nations. He makes some great, He destroys others. He grows some nations and leads others away. The work of a nation is led by the hand of God. How does God determine what He will do with each nation? He determines all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11). God is never doing things in the moment. All things work according to His eternal counsels and plan.
As Christians, we know we should pray for nations and leaders. We desire to take the gospel to all nations and disciple them. But we do so knowing that the Lord is over each and every nation, including their leaders. Our God is in the Heavens, He does all that He pleases. No one can thwart His will.
Let the work of the Lord keep you from being discouraged at the news. Things are not in chaos. They are guided by a sovereign God with a sovereign plan. He is leading all things to their appointed ends.
Reflection & Journal:
- How does Job describe God’s role over the movement of nations?
- What should we as Christians conclude about this as we read it?
- Why does this encourage believers to stand firm and not lose hope when we see the world in tumult?
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