The Father of History
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.
Daniel 2:21 (CSB)
God has worked throughout history and continues to work today. When we consider the term history, we often think of people, places, and events that have occurred in previous times. But as believers, we must see history as HIS STORY. Throughout every moment of history, the Lord is working for the good of His people, according to His plan, and carrying out His will. The presence of evil often makes people question God’s ability or goodness. But evil exists because of the fall of humanity and God's allowance of humanity to practice free will. At the same time, these truths align with the reality of God’s sovereignty.
God created with evidence of His control of history in changing times and seasons. The movement from season to season is in the Lord's created order and under His control. He moves the seasons one after another, exemplifying God's work of moving history along from moment to moment. At the very root of creation, God designed that history is written under his control.
God orchestrated history according to His will for blessing or cursing by establishing and removing kings and kingdoms. God raises leaders according to His will to carry out blessings and curses. At the same time, we must recognize that the Lord still allows free will and does not cause evil to occur but allows evil due to His allowance of free will to obey or disobey the Lord. The Lord is not caught off guard by the choice and work of these leaders because of his all-knowing nature but does orchestrate history by placing these leaders.
God provides the needed wisdom and intellect for the leaders and influencers of the generations. God has fueled the inventions, leaders, and influencers in the world to carry out His will. He fuels the discoveries like medical discoveries. He provides the wisdom for inventions like technology. He provides the knowledge to figure out truths like mathematics. God has all wisdom and is the one who provides the wisdom for humanity.
When considering this truth in Daniel, we must recognize that Daniel is living evidence of how the Lord establishes and removes things within history. Through the rise and fall of Babylon and the captivity of Israel, God carried out His will that was good for His people. How can we see God at work today even when it does not make sense?
QUESTIONS
How does God the Father use history to demonstrate His love for us in His work of salvation?
Do you find encouragement in knowing that God the Father is constantly at work? Why or why not?
