What can we learn about God's sovereignty from "the LORD determined to destroy"? Setting the Scene “ The LORD determined to destroy the wall of the Daughter of Zion; He stretched out a measuring line and did not restrain His hand from destroying. He made rampart and wall lament; together they waste away.” — Lamentations 2:8 A Sovereign Decision • “The LORD determined” signals an unchallengeable, deliberate act. • Scripture treats God’s determinations as final (Isaiah 14:24; Job 42:2). • Nothing forced His hand; the initiative is entirely His. Sovereignty Expressed in Judgment • Israel’s wall—a symbol of security—fell only because God chose to bring it down (cf. Jeremiah 52:14). • Similar moments: – Genesis 6:13 – God resolves to destroy the earth with a flood. – 2 Chronicles 34:24–25 – Judah faces disaster “because they have forsaken Me.” – Acts 5:5–10 – Ananias and Sapphira die at God’s command within the church. • Each event underscores that God’s rule includes the right to judge sin decisively. Why Would a Loving God Destroy? • His holiness demands justice (Habakkuk 1:13). • Covenant love disciplines when His people rebel (Hebrews 12:5–11). • By toppling Jerusalem’s defenses, He exposed idolatry and called the nation to repentance (Jeremiah 25:4–7). Comfort in His Control • Because judgment is purposeful, it is never random. • God also “determined” salvation: – Acts 2:23 – Jesus delivered up “by God’s set purpose.” – Ephesians 1:11 – He “works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” • The same sovereignty that tore down Zion later rebuilt her (Nehemiah 6:15–16). Takeaways for Today • God’s sovereignty is comprehensive—He rules disasters and deliverances alike. • Rejecting Him invites discipline; trusting Him invites restoration. • Even hard providences are measured by a loving, purposeful hand. • Confidence rests not in our walls, plans, or governments, but in the Lord who alone “determined” their rise or fall (Psalm 127:1). |
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