Still Sovereign

...but we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory (I Cor 2:7-8).

Despite being one of the most oppressive regimes and worst persecutors of the Church, they are still hosting this year's Olympics. Despite decades of attention from celebrities and billions in aid from charities, that continent has never been more emaciated than right now. Despite the longest presidential campaign in the nation's history, not a single candidate seems worth a vote.

It can all get pretty depressing pretty fast, can it not? That is, when your hope is set on the rulers of this age setting this world aright... and all before the 10 o'clock news.

Yet, at least in the first century, the folly of man's best and brightest and most powerful was sovereignly intended by God for His glory and the glory of His children.

They thought they were doing away with a messianic pretender; in fact, they were illegally and immorally executing 'the Lord of glory.' They thought they were so wise, so politically astute; in fact, by their folly they brought to pass, in God's perfect providence, his own wise plan - the very plan that they dismissed as foolishness. Amazing grace: in God's wise purposes, they killed the Lord of life.

- D.A. Carson, The Cross and Christian Ministry, p. 51.

This has always been His wisdom. That even human sin is sovereignly permitted as a vehicle of human redemption. So, when all is wrong despite what seems to be our best hope, take some time to smile and rejoice... He's still sovereign.