Isaiah 43:12-14, “I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I am God. Also henceforth I am he; there is none who can deliver from my hand; I work, and who can turn it back?’" Isaiah’s comment introduces a further thought on God’s power, a topic we opened last week. God’s power is not only invincible; it is sovereign. What is the difference? Sovereign indicates the same degree of power but incorporates the concept of an intelligent purpose or design present in all God does. Thus Paul wrote that God works everything according to the purpose of His will (Eph. 1:11), and that He works everything for good in the lives of those called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28b).

Daniel 4:34-36, “At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, ‘What have you done?’” Note how Nebuchadnezzar, after being broken and humbled, recognizes the invincible power of God expressing a sovereign will that man cannot question.

Luke 23:46, “Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last.” Thus Jesus associated His own death with acquiescence to the will of God, symbolized by committing Himself into His Father’s hands, the symbol of His providential power. Thus Peter, directing us to follow Jesus’ example, instructs us to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand, that we may be lifted up in due time (1 Pet. 5:6).

Acts 4: 27, “for truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness.” The church at Jerusalem recognized the providence of God, the hand of God, as a predestined plan for their lives. (See also Isa. 45:11-12).