The One who Controls the Nations

The God Who is Sovereign

Daniel 1-5

“It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding.”

                  We are living in a time of fear and political upheaval.  The geo-political climate seems to be marred by fear and uncertainty.  People, even Christians, live in fear that the wrong party will be elected and will lead the nation to destruction, so we look for a political leader who can bring hope, stability, and justice to the world.  The greatest threat to the national health and stability is not the party elected, or the party defeated; the greatest threat is our trust in humanity to solve the national and global problems and uncertainties.  We continue to look for political solutions to a world that is plagued by spiritual problems.  We look for humanity to solve global problems.  However, if there is one thing that history has taught us, it is that human leaders cannot solve the global problems and threats that confront our world.  

                  Throughout the book of Daniel, we find repeated emphasis that God controls the movements of nations and the establishment of political leaders.  This becomes evident throughout the book of Daniel.  In chapter 2a, God reveals to Nebuchadnezzar the nations that will arise and exert their dominance on the world stage from the time of Nebuchadnezzar to the rise of the Roman Empire.  Each will arise in God’s timing and will have their downfall according to God’s plan. Not only does God exert his authority over the rise and fall of nations, but he also controls the destiny and power of each individual.  In chapters 3-4, Nebuchadnezzar allows pride to control him.  Looking over his kingdom with its unparalleled power and influence on the geo-political world at that time, he exalted himself to the position of a god.  Even after God demonstrated his power was greater than Nebuchadnezzar when he delivered Daniel’s friends from the fiery furnace, Nebuchadnezzar still elevated himself and exalted himself in his pride.  In a remarkable display of God’s authority (and mercy) over the affairs of man as well as his compassion towards sinners, God brought both judgment and salvation to Nebuchadnezzar.  At the end of his seven years of humility, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged that God alone is enthroned on high and he is the one who controls the rise and fall of political leaders, a lesson that his son Belshazzar failed to grasp.

                  In our world of political confusion and uncertainty, we find clarity and hope in the realization that God is still sovereignly guiding the nations of the world towards his predetermined conclusion.   We do not need to live in apprehension, anxiety, or fear about the events on the global and national political landscape, for God is in control of all things, and he is moving and directing history according to plan. When you find yourself becoming apprehensive about what is happening in today’s news regarding the world, it is because you are looking for the wrong source of hope.  Instead of looking for a political leader to solve our world problems, reaffirm your trust in the sovereign God who controls the movement of nations.  Then you can have peace no matter what happens in our world.