He's got the whole world in His hands...

Ok I like the song. Heck, I even recorded a version of it. An ironic, irreverent version with background loops from a band called Christian Death (look em up on Google and you’ll see how far I’m comfortable stretching irony). But I’m well aware that there is no scripture happening here.

Let me explain. The closest scripture I could find for this blog is Psalm 24:1 (The earth is the Lord’s and all its fullness). This actually addresses that God has a plan of redemption to once and for all subdue the earth of its satanic influence. I think that is at the core of the song but rarely in the mind of its singers.

Folks bellow, “He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands” like God is in control of everything. To quote another popular tune,  “Wouldn’t It Be Nice?” Bette Midler had a hit with a song that promised, “God is watching us From A Distance.” Love Bette. Hated the song. It struck me as so, uh, Jewish.  Sorry guys, but as a Jew I was always taught God existed but He lived somewhere far away and was watching us but not intervening.

“From A Distance” also was meant as an inspirational spiritual ditty that encourages us to believe that God is in control so that no matter what happens, it’s all good in the end.  I don’t think that is universally so and Christians who fall into this trap are a threat to many who might come to the Lord if they had some good old-fashioned, healthy fear of what God might do if…

Proverbs 9:10 (The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom) is also often misquoted. Yes the fear mentioned is a form of respect, the kind of the highest order but it is also fear, my friends.  It is wise to consider spiritual consequence before sinning.

Does God sit in heaven waiting for opportunity to throw lightening bolts at those who tick Him off? Of course not.  It’s God’s goodness that draws sinners to Him- and keeps them there. But the Bible warns us about judgment, consequence, losing the protection of God, etc.

We should fear Him. Respect, revere, and fear Him. We are visitors on this planet which ultimately belongs to Him when He’s ready to call in the note. Most importantly, He’s only in control (in a good way) with the parts of our lives we have submitted to Him. The rest is left to Satan, and consequence and, thank you, Jesus, the mercy and grace of a Heavenly Father who never stops trying to reach us.

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