John 7:30

The sweet and pleasant thoughts of the sovereignty of God bring much comfort and consolation to the believer’s soul. We do well to remember this doctrine particularly in our time of need – we do much better to recall it at all times. It reminds us of His constant care and concern as well as directing our thoughts to the Omnipresent, Omnipotent One who is ever on the Throne. Make no mistake about it, God is in control – always has been, always will be – and He has a plan which cannot be thwarted. He is never taken by surprise, He is never mistaken, He is never anxious, He is never left wondering. He is the all-sufficient One, the great “I AM”. Hallelujah and glory to His great Name for that! God tells us through the prophet Isaiah:

8 "Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Isaiah 46:8-10 (NIV)

In our verse for today, the attempt to seize our Savior was thwarted as the fullness of His time had not yet arrived. Just as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not toast in the flames or Daniel did not get destroyed by the lions, our Savior’s sojourn on this earth had not been completed therefore Divine interposition frustrated His arrest by His provoked enemies. Even though Satan had filled and incited the hearts of our Lord’s enemies, God had tied their hands.

“God’s servants are sometimes wonderfully protected by indiscernible unaccountable means. Christ had His time set. So have all His people and all His ministers. Nor can all the powers of hell and earth prevail against them, until they have finished their testimony.” Matthew Henry

Indeed, our Lord Jesus spoke these Words to Pilate confirming this Truth:

11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. John 19:11 (NIV)

Satan must have permission before he is allowed to mess with any of God’s children. I am reminded of two accounts in Scripture where this is blatantly evident. One is found in the book of Job and the other is found in Luke:

8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil." 9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face." 12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger." Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. Job 1:8-12 (NIV)

31 "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32 (NIV)

Satan cannot run interference with the Most High’s agenda. I am reminded of God’s words found in Jeremiah:

11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11 (NIV)

When Jesus did eventually fall into enemy hands it was not due to His inability to escape rather to the fact that His “hour had come” whereby He voluntarily became the substitute for our sins. God’s timing is neither a day early nor a day late. God overrules all events and times – nothing can happen but by His permission making believers immortal until our work on earth is complete. As David stated in Psalm 31 – our times are in His hands:

14 But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." 15 My times are in your hands; Psalms 31:14-15 (NIV)

“It is only the fear of God that can deliver us from the fear of man.” John Witherspoon

This truth should bring the believer the utmost comfort – His eye is ever upon us, why even a sparrow cannot fall to the ground apart from God’s will. We find our Lord’s Words in Matthew stating this fact:

28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matt 10:28-31 (NIV)