RPG Adults
LESSONS ON PROVIDENCE (1)
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Proverbs 16:1-9
Esther 4:4-14
“A man’s heart deviseth his way:
but the LORD directeth his steps.”
LESSONS ON PROVIDENCE (1)
According to the Westminster Larger Catechism, providence is defined as: “God’s works of providence are his most holy, wise, and powerful; preserving and governing all his creatures… and all their actions…” This statement presents providence as the work of God that reflects His attributes since providence is described as God’s most Holy, Wise and Powerful acts. It also presents providence as having the two functions of preserving and governing. Thus, when thinking of the providence of God, we are to understand God planning, guiding and accomplishing everything that happens according to His plans.
“The LORD hath made all things for himself…” (Prov 16:4). All things that happen have their purposes. Every detail, incident, whether planned or unplanned, occurs within the providence of God. And considering that providence is described as God’s most holy, wise and powerful acts, then it first of all implies that nothing can happen or go against what God has planned. And, secondly, the individual acts and incidents do not in any way detract from the attributes of God. Hence, Proverbs 16:4 includes “even the wicked.” It is interesting to note the repetition of the covenant name of God in Proverbs 16:1-9. History is therefore a testimony of the providence and work of God. As such, we are able to trace the providential hand of God through the Book of Ruth, and the same can be traced in every book of the Bible. That is the reason that though the name of the LORD is not mentioned in the Book of Esther, yet it is a book on the providence of God.
“…who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14). The providence of God has preserving and governing functions, and Mordecai recognised that when he addressed the concerns of Esther. The events that led to Esther being made queen, despite personal and individual interest, still had divine governance. The steps were ordered for a purpose and Mordecai pointed out that the crisis would have been the reason for her being made queen. And indeed it was.
THOUGHT: (Read Proverbs 16:3.)
PRAYER: (Read Philippians 4:6-7.)