Scott's Thoughts 3/13/24

Scott's Thoughts - March 13, 2024

What do we have to celebrate?

Our monthly church leadership team meetings begin with this simple question, as we look to see what God is doing in our congregation, and ways that we should be giving thanks for His kindness. Each month is different, but the answers always point to the same reality: God is at work among His people! There are so many stories of God's faithfulness to celebrate right now, and I am thankful that I get a front row seat to God's handiwork in the life of the church!

24 hours of prayer is coming! If you haven't signed up for a slot yet, then feel free to jump in! We have every place filled, but you are welcome to come at your convenience and pray with us! In addition, I would encourage all of us to be more intentional to pray for one another; the evil one seems to ramp up his work right at our 24 hours of prayer weekend.

Last week's text: Exodus 7

"God is in control." Well-meaning, well-intentioned believers have been dispensing those four words to suffering saints for centuries now. We have so many Scriptures that confirm this truth, from our current studies in Exodus, to Romans 8:28, and everything in between. I have found myself saying the equivalent of this, only maybe a little more wordy and "pastoral." 

But this year, I have found myself coming back to a truth that must complement the reality of the sovereignty of God if the sovereignty of God is to be a comfort to the Christian. You see, God is not only sovereign. He is also good. Everything He does is right, but more than being right, it is both best and good. A god that is sovereign but not good is fearful, but not close, not caring or benevolent; not unlike the god of Islam. A god that is good, but not sovereign, is empathetic, but not capable - he cares, but there isn't much he can really do; christian liberalism's understanding of god is similar to this.

Exodus presents our Lord as the One who not only cares about our situation, but who can do something about it. God is totally in control, and the pages of Scripture scream to us His sovereignty. And for those of us who have tasted His goodness, as our hearts are transformed by God's power, and our sins are forgiven through the work of the Son, this sovereignty is a comfort to us. Though our circumstances may be bad, God is good, and our circumstances must always be interpreted through His Word. Though we may not understand why our life is going in a certain direction, God not only knows the direction, He has set it in the way that brings the most glory to His name, and is best for His people.

Truly, God is in control. But He is good too. And His plans for us, just like Israel, are for His glory, and our good. May we trust His goodness more today.

This week's sermon: Exodus 8 - this week, we explore three different plagues: frogs, gnats, and flies. As we do, I want to examine a truth about God that is closely related to His sovereignty - His providence. Here are the questions I'm thinking through as I prepare for this week:

1. In verse 10, Pharaoh picks "tomorrow" as the time to schedule the flow of frogs to be cut off. What is the significance of Moses being able to pray, and for the frogs to stop at the time he has asked?

2. The magicians claim that the plague of gnats is "the finger of God." What does this little expression mean? Why is this confession important?

3. in verse 23, God, through Moses, says that He has put a division between His people of Egypt. Why does this plague not affect the land of Goshen? Why is that important?

Songs this week:

Glory to God Forever

Fairest Lord Jesus

O Lord Our Lord

All Creatures of Our God and King

See you tonight!