“Son, the sun never sets on the British Empire.”

My grandfather once told my Uncle Tony this as they stood in Trafalgar Square around 1945 or 1946. The British forces had defeated Germany, but the British Empire would lose much of its power and influence over the next few decades.

Psalm 50 opens with a similar sweeping statement about the LORD.

LORD of All Time Zones and Nations

1 The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.
(Psalm 50:1-2 ESV)

The Mighty One works around the clock from the time the sun rises worldwide. The sun never sets on the Lord’s Empire, and He never sleeps. Not only does God keep watch at all times, but He also summons his subjects because He seeks to have a relationship with each of them.  

He is a fantastic communicator who uses the beauty of His creation to reveal His character.

LORD of All Righteous Judgement

3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.
4 He calls to the heavens above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 “Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!”
6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah
7 “Hear, O my people, and I will speak; O Israel, I will testify against you. I am God, your God.
(Psalm 50:3-7 ESV)

Some Christian fiction stories about the end of days narrate a plotline where many people miss the Lord’s return. They somehow sleep through it or don’t notice His arrival. Verse 3 reassures us that we can’t miss Him. He does not keep silent, and a devouring fire and a big storm surround his arrival.

When He does arrive, He will call His faithful ones. He will recognize those who made a covenant with Him.

We don’t need to fear His judgment because He is a righteous judge. The heavens declare it.

He judges, and He will testify about his people’s lack of faith.

LORD of All of Creation

8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you; your burnt offerings are continually before me.
9 I will not accept a bull from your house or goats from your folds.
10 For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
11 I know all the birds of the hills, and all that moves in the field is mine.
(Psalm 50: 8-11 ESV)

God owns all the animals on the earth, so when we sacrifice without true repentance, it looks like someone regifting a Christmas present like a boomerang. God instructed His people in a sacrificial system, but His desire is for hearts to return to Him and obedience.  

God created the cattle on a thousand hills, and He knows the birds of the air, each one. He knows all the animals that move in the field. He created each one uniquely and knows what each one needs. He manages all of creation for His glory.

What difference does it make that you serve the Lord of all?

What difference does knowing that He is the Lord of all make when dealing with a problematic situation or praying for something that doesn’t appear to be working out?

Spend a few minutes today meditating on the Lord of all. He is sovereign over anything that comes your way. Release to Him all you are carrying because He is more than able.

Prayer

Lord of all, thank you for being on the job 24/7 so I don’t have to be. I can rest knowing you are still on your throne. Thank you for being a righteous judge who will evaluate me based on the covenant made through the sacrifice of Jesus’ blood that covers all my sins. Help me to be more concerned with being grateful and obedient than trying harder to please you. Thank you for tending to all of creation. While you may give me portions to manage in different seasons of my life, I don’t have to carry that as a burden. I can enjoy Your creation and see how You reveal Yourself in new ways every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.