Imagine a person who perfectly embodies love, compassion, power, and wisdom. You would be glad to submit to their sovereignty. We don’t have to imagine much longer because all these traits exist in God. While He is sovereign over all, He perfectly balances wisdom, love, and might.
In Numbers 21-25, we see this dual nature of God’s relentless sovereignty. Israel is disciplined for their disobedience, yet they are also victorious over enemies like the Amorites and Moabites. When the Israelites grumble, they face fiery serpents, but when they obey, God grants them victory in battle and even causes Balaam, who was hired to curse them, to speak blessings instead. Through both discipline and triumph, God shapes His people and displays His power to the surrounding nations.
In Acts 10, God redefines the boundaries of His people’s mission. Peter, once constrained by Jewish customs, is challenged to embrace Gentiles as fellow recipients of God’s grace. Through visions and divine encounters, God shows that His relentless pursuit of humanity knows no boundaries. Peter’s obedience leads to Cornelius and his household receiving the Holy Spirit, proving that God’s plan was never limited to Israel alone but extends to all who seek Him.
Throughout these passages, God’s unique sovereignty is evident. He shapes His people through His wisdom, displays His power to their enemies, and extends His love in abundance. He is a holistic God, orchestrating every event to draw both His children and outsiders closer to Him.
Reflection: Our God is an awesome who rules with wisdom, power and love.
Today’s reading
Numbers 21-25
When the Canaanite king of Arad, who lived in the Negev, heard that Israel was coming along the road to Atharim, he attacked the Israelites and captured some of them. 2 Then Israel made this vow to the Lord: “If you will deliver these people into our hands, we will totally destroy[a] their cities.” 3 The Lord listened to Israel’s plea and gave the Canaanites over to them. They completely destroyed them and their towns; so the place was named Hormah…
Acts 10:24-48
The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”