The God who reigns over a chaotic world

Since the entrance of sin into this world, in the aftermath of the fall of man (Genesis 3), the beauty, calm and order of life in this world has considerably been disrupted. If there is one word that would capture and express the state of the world today – it would be the word "chaotic". This world is a disorderly, muddled mess – everything seems to be upside down. This is the disruptive nature of sin and these are the effects that we continue to face, feel and experience daily on account of the fall of man.

In the midst of this disorderly, muddled mess, many people are tempted to ask, "will there be relief for the people of this world? Where will the relief come from? Is there anyone in charge? Is there anyone keeping this world together? Is there anyone who is in control of this world right now?" The good news is that there is someone who is in charge, just as there has always been someone in charge – God is, He is our King, He is enthroned high above and He reigns over everything, even over this chaotic world.

Throughout the old testament, and leading up into the New Testament, God is frequently described as The King of the whole universe. It is therefore not surprising that the central fact of Israel's faith – that The Lord was their King, should be so prominent in the songs of the people of God. The Psalms are the songs of the people of God. The Psalter of Israel proclaim God as the King of Israel and call upon others to acknowledge Him as such (see, for example, Ps 96:10). Several Psalms that proclaim God's Kingship are grouped together in the Psalter beginning with Ps 93 right through to Ps 99 (others include Ps 100 as well), with the exception of Ps 94. All these Psalms are royal Psalms – depicting God as King. They often use the expression "The Lord reigns" or "The Lord is King". Psalm 93 is the first of such royal Psalms, beginning with the statement "The Lord reigns". Indeed, The Lord is King! Our God is above all things, He is the absolute Ruler who has dominion over all His works, His creation. In the spinning confusion, disorientation and despair that confronts us in this broken world, there is only one important, immovable reality that can stabilize us – the doctrine of God, who is King and Ruler over all things. He is at the centre of the universe, and He is our everything.

The Old Testament is one of the most important sources on the nature and the character of God. We have such a vivid revelation of the power, majesty, sovereignty, eternity and holiness of God revealed in the Old Testament. In this sermon, Pastor Isaac Makashinyi exhorts us to reflect on the Kingship of God from Psalm 93, so that we do not coast through life blindfolded as it were, but that we may anchor our faith firmly and solidly in the soil of who God is and has declared Himself to be in His word – The Lord reigns!

Listen in, as we consider three aspects of God's Kingship, and the practical implications for each one of us.