As He Pleases

Read Isaiah 45:14-48:15
 
Isaiah 46:9-10 “Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. 10 Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish.”
 
IF your pastor, boss, spouse, child, friend or anyone on earth said, “I do whatever I wish.” what would you think? Would you quickly judge the person as pompous, uncaring or forceful? Does it even irritate you God declares this? Our human nature is to honor self-determination above God’s determined will. We encourage one another with such statements as, “You can do anything you desire.” “Nothing’s going to stop you now.” “Set your goals and work hard to reach them.” These words can help people strive toward their desires. But the trouble is that they point not to God’s good and pleasing will, but they set our minds to look within our own desires and abilities. We want to do whatever pleases us! This is the conflict we’ve inherited from Adam’s sin. Our nature is to believe our desires are above the Sovereign LORD, who forms us and calls us.
   In truth, we should find great comfort in, “I do whatever I wish.” This is the good Father’s warning and promise first to the Jews and now to us. There was no reason for anyone in Israel to be surprised at this statement. God said, “Remember.” to once more remind his people of the many times Yahweh had drawn a very specific line of obedience and consequences. God’s forceful words are not oppressive or arrogant. Instead, he has been very patient to warn Israel and to await their repentance. To have this absolute word from the Father would free his children to know what will happen.
   Of course, the world does not believe in absolute law. Those who oppose God say he is too restrictive and unloving to get give such specific commands. But without absolutes, we are imprisoned in chaos. Who knows what to do and not do? Peace and hope do not exist when all do what is right in their own eyes. (Judges 17 & 21)   
   You might feel uneasy to know God will punish you if you live any way that displeases him. If you feel that way, that’s good. You are beginning to fear God. Keep feeling this fear because you are accountable to the Absolute God. When this fear reaches your soul, you will want to remove it. The only way you can remove it, is to stop doing whatever pleases you and pray, “Forgive me, Father. I want to turn my purpose to your purpose. May you use my life in any way it pleases you.” Rejoice, the LORD God Almighty is pleased to redeem your sin! Colossians 1:19-20 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, 20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
   Now, aren’t you glad God’s purpose will stand to do all he pleases?