{ The Meaning of Sovereign }
Don’t worry. I’m not going to bust out with Webster’s definition here, or get too terribly analytical. I only want for us to spend a few moments considering this magnificent word. Sure, I realize it may ring a bit fanciful. And subsequently, we may not use it very often. But what exactly does this lofty word mean to us?
Sovereign. Not sure if everyone feels the same, but whenever I hear the word, it always brings about sentiments of royalty. Maybe like a king? Or a prince? Perhaps it’s ’cause the word ‘reign’ is right there within sovereign? Not that I’ve ever been impressed by the likes of royalty per se’, being that kings and queens and princes are still just human after all. I mean, they’re each entirely fallible, and can be instruments of either good or wickedness whilst wearing those crowns, dear reader. (I should know. I‘ve watched enough GOT:) Although they may hold some celebrated title, or position of power, at the end of the day, they are only people. . . the majority of which have merely been born or wed into their station.
On the flip side, however, I’m aware that these people have actually been placed in their individual thrones by God alone. Take David, for example, who was born runt of his litter, and voted least likely to achieve~~~ yet by the grace of God, defeated the seemingly mighty Goliath, and went on to be King. Or even myself, dear reader. . . a man who used to just loaf around watching old movies til Friday night, merely so I could drink a few margaritas and play cards. But now, dear reader . . . I play on Saturdays as well. . . And do a bit of writing. (I jest, yet the original point being, God can utilize anyone and/ or anything to serve His purpose, which is truly to His credit.) By the way, did you know that the King of Spades in a modern deck of playing cards is meant to represent our King David? It’s true. But I digress ~
Who is it that can take what most would consider to be the common man, and designate him, and elevate him on to much greater things? And Who is it that also says to certain commoners, “stay low”, and destines them for more humble stations in this world? Why, God alone, of course. I don’t think we need to ponder what gives Him the right, do I? ‘Course not!
Above royalty, all manor of men. . . above lions, and angels, and everything else, there’s just God. All by Himself~ on a whole other level, as they say. Go right ahead~ ~ ~ Pick a noun, any noun, and know that The Lord Almighty rules over whatever it is.
Most of mankind have their notions of what they want to do, and may try their darndest to bring said plans to fruition, though ultimately, they will only do so to the limits of what The Almighty allows. And the sooner we acknowledge this truth, the less frustration, and the better for all of us. Indeed~ The very best we can do is to embrace the truth, nod, and rest assured. . . God has it all under control.
You see, when it comes to God, it’s almost as though there’s an entirely different reality in effect . First off, as far as we know, nobody exalted God to the position of King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. It’s simply His rightful place. He is the very epitome and personification of Sovereignty, after all. And if we break that sentiment down just a bit further~
Our God and King is the only being to ever truly rule truly sovereign, without any set conditions or threat of compromise. As I mentioned above, it’s fairly rare that we even make use of the word. When we do, however, it’s almost always in a scenario where the sovereignty or authority in question hangs in the balance, or in some temporary status. (Yes, entirely like the relationship between England and Scotland in the movie Braveheart. Great bit of film, right? I say great job to Mr. Mel, no matter what he may have said about The Jews.) You see, in my book, true sovereignty refers not only to a situation where someone happens to be in a position of recognized authority, (even if in a role in which He’s “entitled” to rule supreme over everything).
Moreover, it has to do with having a certain predominate power. And in The Lord’s case, in the way He exudes His absolute power in absolutely perfect control. . . and not just over the living or tangible either. The Lord holds dominion over invisible realms as well. That is, over life and death. Over gravity. And all of whatever mankind dubs as “science”. Time and space. Fear. And death and pain and grace. Surely, not only does The Almighty reserve the right to forgive whenever He desires to. . . there’s is NOTHING i.e. NO INFRACTION too immense or wicked for The Lord to forgive. NOTHING! You just think about that! Now, yes, there is that “unpardonable sin” of blasphemy against The Holy Spirit, though even that stands as a choice that The Lord has made, and not some stance that He was forced into. Hear me? Hear me, dear reader. Hear me! God Is Sovereign. (And this is definitely one of God’s traits that I love most, dear reader, which may be why I’ve been so intrigued whilst writing this book as well.)
And so, we Christians can use the word Sovereign (sometimes with a capital ‘S’) to designate the fact that God Almighty has all things under His control, and the absolute authority to do whatever He wants. I suppose this would be evident to any true believer, whereas to the non-believer, well~ I’m not sure their views matter in the least. Not to belittle the unenlightened, but merely to point out, that even if people are unwilling to recognize the truth, the truth remains.
God alone is forever Sovereign.