How does Psalm 22:28 affirm God's sovereignty over all nations today? The Verse in Focus “For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations.” (Psalm 22:28) Immediate Context of Psalm 22 - Psalm 22 begins with anguish (“My God, My God, why have You forsaken me?”) yet ends in triumphant confidence. - Verses 27-31 shift from individual lament to worldwide praise, showing that the God who hears suffering also governs history. - Verse 28 is the hinge: because God rules, both the sufferer and the nations have hope. Key Terms Unpacked - Dominion – absolute ownership and authority. No realm lies outside His jurisdiction. - Belongs to the LORD – not borrowed, not shared; it is inherently His. - He rules – present-tense, active governance, not passive observation. - Over the nations – every ethnic group, kingdom, and government is under His hand. What This Means for Our World Today • Governments change, God does not: “He deposes kings and raises up others.” (Daniel 2:21) • Global unrest cannot overturn divine plans: “Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.” (Proverbs 19:21) • The Great Commission rests on this authority: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18) • History is moving toward a guaranteed outcome: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.” (Revelation 11:15) Practical Implications for Believers - Confidence in prayer: We petition the One who already controls the outcome. - Steadfast hope amid political shifts: Elections, coups, or treaties cannot thwart His reign. - Bold evangelism: Because He rules over the nations, every people group is reachable. - Personal surrender: Trusting His sovereignty frees us from anxiety over world events. Supporting Passages That Echo Psalm 22:28 - Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” - Psalm 47:7-8 – “God is King of all the earth… God reigns over the nations.” - Proverbs 21:1 – “The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.” - Isaiah 40:15 – “Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket.” - Acts 17:26 – “He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.” Key Takeaways - God’s sovereignty is not theoretical; it is an active, present reality over every nation. - World events unfold under His directive hand, ensuring the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. - Psalm 22:28 invites unwavering trust: the same God who heard David’s cry and raised Christ rules the globe today. |