Proverbs 21:1
In nature, rivers flow with a determined path, shaped by the landscape yet are subject to change. For example, an earthquake can alter the landscape, causing a river to change direction. There are also man-made causes, such as the Chicago River, whose flow was intentionally reversed in 1900 to improve the water quality. Throughout the Bible we are reminded of a similar truth: the Lord holds the hearts of kings and leaders, directing their decisions as effortlessly as He might turn the flow of a river. No authority on earth is beyond His reach, and no ruler is too powerful to not be guided by His sovereign hand.
Solomon wrote in Proverbs 21:1 that the Lord can cause the hearts of kings and world leaders to accomplish His purposes. While world leaders may make plans, the Lord is providentially and sovereignly ruling over them. More specifically, it is the Lord who is in control in a world that may at times seem out of control. This should encourage the Lord’s people, who may forget who really controls the world.
“Just as ancient farmers open and closed water gates to control the flow of irrigation, so God’s sovereign will directs kings.”[1]
There are several examples in the Bible of this truth. After 70 years in exile, the Lord caused the heart of the Persian king Cyrus to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem to begin the rebuilding process, as seen in Ezra 1:1. This is a picture seen often in scripture where world leaders think they are in control while God in fact is ruling over them.[2] Like an earthquake causes a river to change its flow, so too can the Lord change the direction of world leaders to accomplish His purposes.
“Consider the census of Caesar Augustus which caused Mary’s baby to be born in Bethlehem. God is in control.”[3]
As seen throughout human history, God is in control of the rulers and nations. When we see a world that appears in chaos, we should stop and remember this important truth. The Lord is bringing about all the purposes of His perfect will. He calls on us to trust and walk faithfully as He accomplishes each and every one of them.
“In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will.” Ephesians 1:11 NASB 95
Blessings,
Pastor Steven
[1] Robert L. Alden. Proverbs: A Commentary on an Ancient Book of Timeless Advice, pg. 153.
[2] For other examples, see Ezra 6:22, Nehemiah 1:11, Esther 6:1-10, and Daniel 4.
[3] Ibid.