No Wisdom or Understanding or Counsel Against the Lord….

And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God."—Acts 5:38-39

In these very turbulent times I have found much comfort by meditating on the sovereignty of my God.  It is so good to be reminded that before the day even was, He has said, I am He;  I work and who will reverse it?  Truly there is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the LORD.  Gamaliel’s advice to the Sanhedrin here was good.  If this plan or work is of men, it will come to nothing...but if it is of God, it cannot be overthrown—

Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; Speak the word, but it will not stand, For God is with us."—Isaiah 8:10-12

God is with us!  “Our constantly changing world is controlled by our ever-present, all knowing, all powerful, and unchanging God. During our lifetime, we see objects fade, friends change, loved ones die, and both local and global unrest of many kinds.  I am so thankful that I can depend on God’s sovereign control over all.  He rules and overrules all for His good and precious purposes. His steadfast love to us, His children, never ceases.  Only when we understand this can we have real peace and security.  

Consider Caiphas’ unconscious and involuntary prophetic words in John 11...

47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.

48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation."

49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish." 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.

As high priest, Caiaphas was used by God to explain Jesus’ death even though Caiaphas didn’t realize what he was doing.  God rules and overrules. 

Scripture tells us that the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "He catches the wise in their own craftiness"; and again, "The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."  Beloved, the counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. 

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Now thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.