In 1776, the 13 Colonies rebelled against British rule. They did it because they regarded British rule to be unfair and oppressive. We believe that rebellion was appropriate. Contrast that rebellion to that of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. They rebelled against God who created them and rightfully deserved their obedience. Ever since the Garden of Eden, humanity has been in rebellion against God. Despite human rebellion, God still controls history–past, present, and future. God once declared His superiority over history by using a symbolic trial. We read in Isaiah that God summoned to court all the nations of the world. He placed in evidence the fact that He alone chose a king from the east to do His will. He appointed a king to arrange for the ancient Jews to leave exile and go home. The prophecy is remarkable in that Isaiah identifies the king some 150 years before he was born. With God’s help, Cyrus defeated the Persians, Medes, and Lydians. God says He did it to show His power and authority to control history. Isaiah records God as saying, “Who has done such mighty deeds, summoning each new generation from the beginning of time? It is I, the LORD, the First and the Last. I alone am he.” Since God created all things, sustains all things, determines the outcome of all things, we should choose to live according to His will.
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