UNDERSTANDING THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD (Part II)

UNDERSTANDING THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD (Part II)

Yesterday’s devotional recounted the events of May 25, 1979, which took place during the COGIC International Women’s Convention in Chicago.  American Airlines Flight 191 crashed on take-off and 273 people lost their lives.  That evening, Presiding Bishop J. O. Patterson announced that his assistant, Bishop Junius A. Blake (father of later Presiding Bishop Charles Blake) had been scheduled to fly with his wife to Los Angeles.  While checking in, the Lord strongly impressed Bishop Blake to avoid taking that flight; he changed to another one, avoiding a terrible tragedy.  Our God is amazing! 

But that’s not the end of this story.  Another minister, scheduled to return to Los Angeles on that same flight, experienced an unusual delay in New York which prevented him from catching Flight 191 in Chicago.  He later rejoiced at the phenomenal timing and grace that was clearly demonstrated in this situation, being firmly convinced that it could only have been the result of divine intervention.  

However, a clergyman named Edwards Elliot, the beloved pastor of California’s Garden Grove Orthodox Presbyterian Church was also booked on Flight 191.  He too experienced a delay on a connecting flight in Pennsylvania, but his journey had a radically different outcome.  A friend who flew with him to Chicago but had a different connecting flight, recalled seeing Edwards “dashing forward” in the terminal to make his connection with Flight 191.  He later wrote this assessment of what occurred: “I just had to let you know about one of God's great saints who ran to make Flight 191--and made it!” 

Although his family and friends were initially tempted to question the providence of God, at the funeral Mrs. Elliot and her four adult children made the following remarks: “Although our husband and father didn’t know it, while he was running through that airport he was actually running to Heaven.  He made it!”  Their optimistic faith perspective and their triumphant testimony about the sovereignty of God warmed and comforted the grieving congregation.

There can be no doubt – Our God is Sovereign!

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!