God’s sovereignty is always to His people in wisdom and in love. This is the difference between sovereignty in God and sovereignty in man. We dread the sovereignty of man, because we have no security of it’s being exercised in mercy, or even justice: we rejoice in the sovereignty of God, because we are sure it is always exercised for the good of his people.
Alexander Carson (1776-1844, Irish Pastor & Theologian)
Our Hope
Matthew 10:29–31 (NLT)
29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin[a]? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Romans 8:28 (NLT)
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Our Insight
Jesus and Paul are both saying the same thing.
In Matthew Jesus is speaking of our value and God’s sovereignty. That which we think insignificant (sparrows, the commonest of birds), God says is worthy of His attention and His actions on their behalf.
In Romans Paul is speaking of our value and God’s sovereignty. God so loves us that He assembles everything in our lives—which encompasses the world around us—so that the pieces (events) fit together for our good, and His glory. Keep in mind, the context of Romans 8 speaks of our conformity to Christ in the context of our fallen bodies in a fallen world. “Good” does not equal “comfort” or freedom from pain, struggle and loss.
Bottom line: we are of infinite value in the eyes of God, and, we are objects of His infinite and all-encompassing care, concern, attention and love. He is able to exercise His love toward us without hindrance, and in all wisdom and grace.
Our Prayer
As we pray today, let’s acknowledge what God’s Word says about us, and about Himself.
Take a moment and thank God that He says you are of infinite value and worth. So much so that He sent His Son to die in your place—paying the penalty your sin deserved—and raising Him from the grave, validating that Christ’s death was sufficient to pay the penalty.
Tell God that you are trusting that His love, so demonstrated in Christ, is working even now, in these circumstances of life for your ultimate good: being made more and more into the image of Jesus.
And finally, pray this prayer for someone you know who needs it.
Our Gratitude
Before closing this devotion, take a moment and bring to mind one thing—at this moment—that you are thankful for. And thank God for it.
