For It Was Brought About of God.
God is working out his eternal purpose beneath the surface of human affairs, even when things seem chaotic or unpredictable.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes that the revolt against the young king, though appearing to be a mistake driven by human folly, was ultimately orchestrated by God to fulfill His divine purpose. The actions of the young king and his advisors, while seemingly misguided, were part of God's sovereign plan, demonstrating that even in chaos, God is at work. Meyer encourages believers to recognize God's hand in the unfolding of history and current events, asserting that all things work together for good for those who love Him. He reassures the faithful that God's providence prevails over human choices and even the adversities brought by sin. Trusting in God's overarching plan allows believers to find peace amid turmoil.
Text
For it was brought about of God. 2 Chron. x. 15 (R.V.).
THIS revolt must have seemed to be the result of an unfortunate mistake on the part of the ill‑advised young king. He and the young men that gathered around him thought that the best way of ruling people was by showing a strong hand, and adopting a policy of noncompliance with their very natural requests. But as the result, the Ten Tribes, never very closely bound to David's line, sprang away from it, leaving, as Ahijah had foretold, only two out of the twelve pieces of the rent garment. Here, however, a deeper explanation is given: "It was brought about of God." It seemed to be altogether a piece of human folly and passion; but now we are suddenly brought into the presence of God, and told that beneath the plottings and plannings of man He was carrying out his eternal purpose.
To detect this Divine purpose lying beneath the cross‑currents of human affairs is the prerogative of the saints. In a recent book, the Duke of Argyll has argued from the purpose‑iveness of nature. With as much certainty we may apply that word to history, politics, the course of current events. All is under law. God doeth according to his will among the armies of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Without contravening the action of man's free choice He carries out his great designs and works his sovereign will. Lot us trust in this Almighty Providence, which underlies all events and catastrophes, and pursues its beneficent objects undeterred by our sins. He makes the wrath of man to praise Him, and weaves the malignant work of Satan into his plans.
Sermon Outline
- The Revolt of the Ten Tribes
- Detecting God's Purpose
- God's Sovereignty
- Trusting in Almighty Providence
- God's Will in Human Affairs
- Working Together for Good
Key Quotes
“It was brought about of God.” — F.B. Meyer
“To detect this Divine purpose lying beneath the cross-currents of human affairs is the prerogative of the saints.” — F.B. Meyer
“He makes the wrath of man to praise Him, and weaves the malignant work of Satan into his plans.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We can trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even when things don't make sense or seem to be going wrong.
- We should look for the underlying design and plan of God in human affairs, even when things seem chaotic or unpredictable.
- God can use even the most difficult or challenging situations to accomplish his purposes and bring glory to Himself.