Living In Uncertain Times

Introduction: It is becoming apparent that there are many things in this world that we have absolutely no control over. A few weeks ago, life was fairly normal, but now there is global chaos due to the corona virus pandemic. Fear has gripped the hearts of many, businesses have closed, and the stock market is unstable.

It's easy to forget who is truly in control in times of great turmoil. But we must remember that amid all the chaos, our God reigns. Jehovah is always in control. He always has been and always will be. There are no circumstances, situations, or crises outside of his rule. We may not understand God's plan, but our job is to trust.  Romans 11:33, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!”

There is a powerful passage in the Book of Haggai that illustrates the unwavering control of our heavenly father. Who was Haggai? He was a prophet sent by God to deliver a message to Zerubbabel. Many of God's people had returned from captivity and were in Jerusalem rebuilding the temple. This message was essentially, “I am still in control.” 

Body: 

1.  The will of the Lord.  Haggai 2:20-21, “And again the word of the Lord came to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, 21 "Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying: 'I will shake heaven and earth.”

·  The word of the Lord-God possesses all authority. He was the supreme authority during the time of Haggai and he is the supreme authority for us as well; Deuteronomy 8: 3- Hebrews 4: 12.

Zerubbabel learned of God's will through the word of the Lord. When we search the scriptures we can know God's will as well; Romans 12: 2.

·  God's will is sovereign- it is supreme; Psalm 135: 5-6. It overrules everything: Psalm 33: 10-11.

·  His will is for us to continue to be the church. We still have work to do.

2.  The power of God.  Haggai 2:21-22, “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying: 'I will shake heaven and earth.  22 I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms; I will destroy the strength of the Gentile kingdoms. I will overthrow the chariots And those who ride in them; The horses and their riders shall come down, Every one by the sword of his brother.”

·  No matter how bad things may get, God's power will never fail. He has power over nature as well as power over nations; Jeremiah 32: 17, Psalm 66:3.

·  Earlier in Haggai we read this; Haggai 2: 5-9.

Because God is in control all powerful, he is able to bring about his plans. This prophecy concerned the establishment of the Lord's house and his church and how much greater it would be than the physical temple being rebuilt during the time of Haggai.

Note the words of Hebrews 12: 26-29.

·  God would cause the rise and fall of many nations from the time of Haggai to the coming of the Messiah and his spiritual temple. God's Kingdom, the church, would be unshakable; Daniel 2: 44.

·  The latter house would be characterized by peace; Ephesians 2: 15-17.

·  God's great power should be a source of comfort. We can trust that God is in control.  Even though these are uncertain times, understand God was not surprised by them, nor intimidated by them; Isaiah 48: 35. Also 1 John 3: 20; The lord knows everything.

Conclusion

    Even though these are truly uncertain times, there is much to learn from them. Man is not in control of this world. It is not in man to direct his own steps. Real peace and security is found only in Jesus. We need to point people to him.

 

Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford

September 8, 2024

Prepared by Bobby Stafford

The church of Christ at Granby, MO

Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109

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