PROVIDENCE

PART 2

 

Providence and Nature

 

The Godhead (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) was responsible for the origin of the universe (Genesis 1:1ff; John 1:1-3). However, it does not end there. These divine Persons continue to regulate and sustain nature. Christ is “upholding all things by the word of His power,” (Hebrews 1:3). Also, “in Him all things consist” [“stand together”] (Colossians 1:17). The tense used in the Greek indicates that Christ keeps on holding together the forces of nature. Robertson noted that he “is the controlling and unifying force in nature” (Word Pictures in the New Testament).

God the Father ensures the continuation of the seasons (Genesis 8:22), and covers the earth with His blessings (Acts 14:17). He is fully aware of the earth’s creatures and cares for them (Matthew 10:29; Psalm 147:9). There are also many examples in Scripture where God uses the forces and/or the creatures of nature to accomplish His will (see Genesis 22:13; Numbers 11:31; 1 Kings 13:24; 2 Kings 2:23-24).

 

God and the Nations

 

Because of the fall of man through sin, God devised a plan to make redemption possible. That plan culminated with the death of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom. However, long before the birth of Jesus, God was working among the nations to prepare the world for the coming Messiah. He is “ruler over the nations” (Psalm 22:28). Jehovah rules in the kingdoms of men, setting over them whomever He wills (Daniel. 2:21 4:17).

 

The Israelites played an important role in God’s plan for man’s salvation. The Messiah would come through this people, the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 22:18). Therefore, God protected Israel (at least a remnant) so that the promises concerning the Messiah would be kept. Jehovah worked providentially in Joseph’s life to sustain the Hebrews in the famine and as they came to Egypt (Genesis 45:5-9). I do not think you can read the story of Esther and the Jews without being reminded of God’s providence (Esther 4:14).

 

In Galatians 4:4, Paul states that God sent His Son “when the fullness of time had come.” What is meant by this? Paul refers to God’s providence among various nations which would contribute to the arrival and success of Christ’s mission. The Hebrews prepared the ancient world with the sacred Scriptures, running over with prophecies of the coming Messiah. The Romans provided a peaceful environment and a highway system which facilitated the rapid spread of the gospel. The Greeks provided a universal language for the greatest conveyance of human thought, the language in which the New Testament was written. Yes, indeed, Galatians 4:4 shouts of the providential activity of God Almighty.

 

--Lamar