LLLV2017 12-18-2017 William Cowper on God’s Mysterious Ways
In 1774 William Cowper penned a poem titled, God Moves in Mysterious Ways. Parts of the poem appear in numerous Christian songs of the time. The most famous is the first stanza:
“God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.”
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sov’reign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
The poem makes for a brief, but rich lesson in theology. During the season we call “Christmas” the scriptures lend their weight to the awesome planning and working of God on behalf of the fallen race of humans. John 3:16 is the most succinct verse encompassing the scope of God’ love.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV).
Couple this with the Star prophesied long before the event as well as the prophecy of Micah 5:2 concerning the place of the birth as the tiny village of Bethlehem, given in the neighborhood of seven hundred years prior, during the time of Isaiah and Jeremiah and you get the feeling that God uses everything and everyone in some way to bring about His will for time and eternity. Wise Men from the East knew from searching the scriptures about His Star and the town of Bethlehem. Solomon shares a verse that was well understood by his readers in Proverbs 21:1,
“The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” (NKJV).
World history shows the hand of God pulling the strings behind the scene time and time again. Even though the headlines may be scary, even sickening, take heart with the knowledge the Lord is working His plan as the Christmas story shows plainly.
Copyright © 2017 Larry Lilly
Great IT Work. Oral Deckard
In 1774 William Cowper penned a poem titled, God Moves in Mysterious Ways. Parts of the poem appear in numerous Christian songs of the time. The most famous is the first stanza:
“God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.”
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sov’reign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
The poem makes for a brief, but rich lesson in theology. During the season we call “Christmas” the scriptures lend their weight to the awesome planning and working of God on behalf of the fallen race of humans. John 3:16 is the most succinct verse encompassing the scope of God’ love.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (NKJV).
Couple this with the Star prophesied long before the event as well as the prophecy of Micah 5:2 concerning the place of the birth as the tiny village of Bethlehem, given in the neighborhood of seven hundred years prior, during the time of Isaiah and Jeremiah and you get the feeling that God uses everything and everyone in some way to bring about His will for time and eternity. Wise Men from the East knew from searching the scriptures about His Star and the town of Bethlehem. Solomon shares a verse that was well understood by his readers in Proverbs 21:1,
“The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” (NKJV).
World history shows the hand of God pulling the strings behind the scene time and time again. Even though the headlines may be scary, even sickening, take heart with the knowledge the Lord is working His plan as the Christmas story shows plainly.
Copyright © 2017 Larry Lilly
Great IT Work. Oral Deckard
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