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How does Yahweh use leaders and nations for His purposes?
How does Yahweh use individuals, leaders and nations for His purposes even when they are opposed to His will? In numerous ways which are evident and which often repeat themselves in scripture. He stirs up, raises up adversaries, strengthens, delivers, gives them to their enemies or satisfies their requests so that they are able to see their own folly, sends a distressing spirit or a spirit of ill will, permits rumours, hardens hearts so His greater purposes are fulfilled and allows periods of exile for the backsliders permitting them a chance to repent and within that process as He draws a distinction between the excellent spirit of the righteous and the futility of the ungodly.
Joseph's brothers intended evil against him but Yahweh meant it for good. (see Gen 50v20) Many years of separation resulted in true reconciliation for the family. Furthermore His brothers were envious because of the contents of his dreams to the point at which they almost took his life. It was the same God-given gift that gave Joseph access to his position beside Pharaoh by interpreting Pharaoh's dream. Joseph was able to spare the lives of his fellow Egyptians, his family and those of the surrounding territories.
Pharaoh's heart was hardened and he was forced to allow the Israelites to exit Egypt. The plagues Yahweh sent upon them mimicked the nature of the gods that the Egyptians worshipped. It was a bitter pill to swallow as the natural phenomenon that they gave obeisance to, turned on them and was used against them. A distinction was drawn between Yahweh and their false gods demonstrating to Israel and Egypt that ‘I am the Lord.'
Balaam tried to curse Israel but was unable to do so. Yahweh used Balaam to prove that He honours His covenants and His promises and any effort to oppose His will is futile.
In the time of the Judges Yahweh delivered Israel into the hands of their plunderers on several occasions when they repeatedly served the Baals. When they cried out to Him, Yahweh sent deliverers showing them that He is sovereign. Even though their greatest deliverer, Samson lived a reckless life and married a Philistine bride, Delilah, Yahweh used the situation bringing Samson into conflict with the Philistines, killing more of their number in his death than during his life and thereby delivering Israel.
Yahweh used Assyria as His instrument of vengeance ‘the rod of My anger' (Isa 10v5) to chasten unfaithful Israel.
The Babylonians, most noticeably Nebuchadnezzar had dominion over his subjects far exceeding the power invested in the rulers of the super-powers we are familiar with today. Nebuchadnezzar exalted himself and was then humbled for seven years. He then greatly praised and glorified Yahweh giving great glory to His name.
Although pagan, the Mede and Persian rulers I have mentioned readily acknowledged that their kingdoms were ‘given' to them by the Most High. Josephus recalls that Cyrus was pleased that Isaiah had prophesied concerning his commission to build the temple in Jerusalem ‘when Cyrus read this, and admired the divine power, an earnest desire and ambition seized upon him to fulfil what was written.' (1)
Alexander the Great appeared destined to obliterate Jerusalem in the same manner that he destroyed every other city or people that defied him. Being divinely warned in a dream he spared Jerusalem. Jaddua the high priest had a similar dream to Alexander and met him on peaceful terms. Jaddua then directed Alexander and assisted him in making an offering to the king of kings.
When the magi met Herod, he tried to kill the Messiah and repudiate prophecy. Yahweh didn't permit that and He used Herod to fulfil further prophecy and also to build a splendid temple for Him forty six years in the making! Although the magi were most likely Zoroastrian worshippers they gave prophetic gifts and came to worship Him. (see Psa 72v10)
The Romans persecuted the Christians but miraculously the gospel spread. The superstructure of the Empire and cosmopolitan society aided communication of the same and so did safe and efficient travel by land and sea. Common languages were useful to spread the gospel like wild fire.
Gog and Magog shall bring Israel to her knees and will make her seek refuge in the Messiah. Satan will not tolerate the false religious system of Babylon, desiring all worship for himself and will therefore be used by Yahweh to destroy her. Satan will also be chained for a thousand years and during that time government shall be just and the earth shall be restored to an Edenic like state. But not everyone will choose to believe in Jesus the Messiah during the Millennium (during which Satan will be temporarily removed and society fair) thus this will demonstrate that the problem with mankind is the deceitfulness of the human heart. (see Jer 17v9)
If Yahweh can use Satan for His purposes then He is entirely able to use anyone or anything for His purposes. This study has been limited to individuals, leaders and nations bit it is particularly apparent in the case of the plagues in Exodus and the seals, bowls and trumpet judgements in Revelation that Yahweh uses the natural environment for His will, when He so wishes. He also uses the animal kingdom for rebuking, chastening, exacting punishment or fulfilling prophecy. Yahweh used Balaam's donkey to talk some sense to him and save his life before he prophesied of Israel and the Messiah to come. On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem on a colt, the foal of a donkey fulfilling Zechariah 9 verse 9. On three occasions lions were assigned to kill those who were disobedient. (see 1 Kings 13v26, 20v36, 2 Kings 17v25) Also the lions that spared Daniel devoured his accusers not him! A bear turned on those who mocked Elisha and that had mocked him for being bald. Finally a large fish swallowed Jonah and spat him out three days later. The sign of Jonah in the belly of the great fish was recounted to the scribes and Pharisees when they sought a new sign. In a nutshell the way that Yahweh utilises individuals, leaders and nations is a part of His greater timeless dispensation by which He governs not just the earth but the universe. When the animal kingdom is restored during the Millennial reign, He shall be glorified by everything that has breath praising Him.
Psalm 115 verse 2-3 says ‘Why should the Gentiles say, so where is their God? But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.' ‘God's dominion is total: He wills as He chooses, and carries out all that He wills, and none can stay His hand, or thwart His plans. He exercises His rule in the normal course of life, as well as in more remarkable interventions or miracles.' (2)
The way in which Yahweh uses leaders and nations could be compared with a giant game of continual chess. However, although Yahweh's opponents may play against Him while exercising their own purpose and strategy, Yahweh knows what their next move will be, and the nation's efforts to defy Him are futile. When they try to make an evil move Yahweh turns it around for His pleasure. Even if His opponent were able to put Him in check it would be rendered useless as Yahweh could place them in check mate with His next move and quench their rebellion instantly.
There is no reason to suggest that Yahweh isn't currently using leaders, nations and individuals on a wider scale and also in smaller events simultaneously. Yacov Prash in his teaching tape ‘Arab/Israel reconciled' argues that the Arabs are being used to judge the Jews and vice versa. (3) However there will be a restoration resulting in harmony between Egypt, Israel and Assyria ‘In that day' as Isaiah 19v18-25 tells us. ‘Behind everything that seems to be sudden- looking from the earthly side of misty understanding- is the rule and reign of a sovereign God, who can be moved by faith, but who is setting up kingdoms and putting down kingdoms (Daniel 4:23), and working to his own majestic plan.' (4)
We therefore eagerly await the Messiah's return, triumph and kingdom. But what advice could be dispensed to those appointed to authority and governing nations today that openly rebel against His wonderful guidance, counsel and purpose? ‘Now therefore, be wise O kings; be instructed you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are those who put their trust in Him.' (Psa 2v10-12)
References
(1) The New Complete Works of Josephus Translated by William Whitson Commentary by Paul Maier Kregel Publications 1999 Book 11 Chapter 1.1 p359
(2) The New Geneva Study Bible NKJV p1339
(3) Yacov Prash ‘Arab/Israel Reconciled' (tape)
(4) Geoff Feasey Putting things into Perspective Silver fish publishing 2000 p90 |
