Saturday, 9th March 2024
Andrews Ampomah
TOPIC: GOD’S VIEWPOINT
THEME SCRIPTURE: “And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me.” – Ruth 1:20
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- What does it mean to have God's viewpoint in all matters?
In response to his wife's suggestion that he should deny his integrity, curse God, and die, Job offers a profound rebuke: “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this, Job did not sin with his lips (Job 2:10).” Our lack of a proper understanding of the doctrine of God’s Sovereignty over everything (His creation) leads us to have the wrong viewpoint or perspective. Our generation is unfortunately wired to accept only good things as being from God but is quick to disassociate from Him anything unpleasant He allows. This is not how God deals with His people. God’s viewpoint is revealed throughout scripture and forms the fundamental beliefs, doctrines, and values of Christianity as clearly and precisely stated in the Bible.
Living from God’s viewpoint, in both good and bad times, calms the Christian. Knowing for certain that God is Sovereign over whatever comes your way is comforting.
The whole city of Bethlehem was moved when Naomi and Ruth showed up. They asked, “Is this not Naomi?” Unfortunately, the loss of Naomi’s husband and two sons had affected her so badly that it reflected on her physical appearance. Naomi, whose name meant pleasant, was unpleasant to behold. Naomi said to them, “Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me (Ruth 1:20).” Her immediate response was profound; she attributed her unfortunate circumstances to the Almighty. The response affirms her belief in God’s sovereignty as having all the power to determine or allow what happens to His children. Her situation may still be unpleasant, yet she acknowledges that it is all God.
She didn’t know whether her situation would change from bad to good, yet she still acknowledged God’s sovereignty over her life.
Dearly beloved in Christ Jesus, Christians study the Bible, so their viewpoint are shaped by the Bible’s teachings. The Bible and its teachings cannot be separated from the Christian life and the world around you. God's sovereignty over His creation and His providence are the golden threads that run through the Bible. Nothing happens to you by chance; it is unfortunate for any Christian to live by luck. God works through your life’s good and bad to reveal His glory.
Unfortunate circumstances did not change Job, nor did they change Naomi. As God’s special person, good or bad circumstances must rather draw you closer to God.
Imbibing the perspective and viewpoint of God will always help you interpret and see the world around you from God’s angle. Whatever it is that is your lot, be comforted that God is sovereign over His creation and that He is working it out for His own glory. God bless you.
FURTHER READING – Mathew 10:26-31
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.
QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- Do you have a Biblical Worldview and how well does that influence your perspective on life and the world around you?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help me by Your Holy Spirit to interpret my life and the happenings in the world through the lens of Scripture. Empower me to leave through the good and the bad that You sovereignly bring on my way for Your glory in Christ Jesus, Amen.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Leviticus 16; Psalm 119:1-40; 2 Corinthians 12; 2 Corinthians 13
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