Recap Sermon Notes | 48 Laws Of Power | Law 17 | Embracing Unpredictability

Law 17 of the 48 Laws of Power states: "You Must Understand Unpredictability." This principle suggests that by being unpredictable, you can keep others off balance and maintain control of any situation, as they won't know how to respond to your next move. We see this example in many bible story’s, through King David acting crazy, Joseph testing his brother’s, and Jacob buying his brother’s birthright. But today we are going to look at unpredictability from God’s perspective

Sermon Title: "The Power of Purposeful Unpredictability"

Theme: Jesus Christ’s ability to confound expectations to fulfill His divine purpose.

Introduction: The Parable of the Wise Artist

There was once a wise artist who lived in a small village. Every few months, the villagers gathered to witness his latest masterpiece. But one day, he began painting behind a curtain, allowing no one to see his work until it was complete. At first, the people grew restless. “Why won’t he show us what he’s doing?” they asked. Some became angry, others intrigued. Finally, the day of unveiling arrived, and the artist revealed his most stunning painting yet—one so extraordinary that it left everyone in awe. They realized his secrecy had heightened their anticipation, and his unpredictability had deepened their appreciation.

In much the same way, Jesus often acted in ways people didn’t expect. His life and ministry weren’t about conforming to human expectations but about fulfilling a divine purpose that often baffled those around Him. Today, we’ll explore how Jesus’ purposeful unpredictability reflects God’s wisdom and power, showing us how we too can trust Him when His ways seem mysterious.

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Point 1: Jesus’ Unpredictability in His Teachings

Key Scripture: Matthew 13:10-13 (KJV)“And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”

Jesus often taught in parables—stories filled with symbolic meaning. To some, His parables were confusing,

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Sermon Title: "Trusting God's Higher Ways"

Theme: Embracing the mystery of God’s plans through faith and humility.

Introduction: The Parable of the Unpredictable Shepherd

There was once a shepherd who led his flock through a dangerous mountain pass. The sheep were used to walking the same route, but this time, the shepherd chose an unfamiliar path. The terrain was rocky, the trail steep, and the sheep grew restless. “Why are we going this way?” they wondered. Some even tried to turn back, but the shepherd pressed on. When they finally reached the other side, they discovered lush pastures and abundant water, far better than they’d ever known. The shepherd had led them along an unpredictable path to bring them to a greater blessing.

Like the shepherd in the parable, God’s ways often seem unpredictable to us. We wonder why He leads us through unfamiliar territory, why He delays or changes what we expect. Yet His ways are always higher than ours, rooted in divine wisdom and eternal purpose. Today, we will explore how God’s unpredictability invites us to trust Him fully, even when His plans defy our understanding.

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 55:8-9 (KJV)

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Point 1: God’s Unpredictable Timing

Key Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”

One of the greatest challenges in our walk with God is understanding His timing. Like the sheep in the parable, we often grow impatient when God’s plans don’t unfold as quickly as we expect. But Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that every purpose has its season. God’s timing is not arbitrary—it is intentional, aligning with His perfect plan.

Think of Joseph in the Old Testament. God gave Joseph a dream that he would one day rule, but instead of immediate fulfillment, Joseph endured betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment. For years, it seemed as though God’s promise was delayed or even forgotten. Yet at the perfect time, God elevated Joseph to a position of power in Egypt, fulfilling the dream and saving countless lives (Genesis 41:39-41).

Commentary: God’s timing is unpredictable because it is designed to accomplish His greater purposes. If Joseph had become a ruler too soon, he wouldn’t have been ready to steward the responsibility or fulfill God’s plan for His people. Similarly, when we face delays or detours, we must trust that God’s timing is not just good—it is best.

Point 2: God’s Unexpected Methods

Key Scripture: Exodus 14:13-14 (KJV)“And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

When the Israelites fled Egypt, they found themselves trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army. In their fear, they cried out to God, but His solution was utterly unexpected—He parted the sea. The Israelites walked through on dry ground, and their enemies were swallowed by the returning waters.

Commentary: God’s methods often defy human logic. Why didn’t He lead the Israelites along an easier route? Why didn’t He strike down Pharaoh’s army earlier? The answer lies in God’s desire to reveal His power and glory. By delivering His people in such an extraordinary way, He demonstrated His sovereignty and strengthened their faith.

In our lives, God may use methods we don’t understand to bring about His purposes. Perhaps He closes one door only to open another, or He allows challenges to refine our character. Whatever the method, we can trust that His ways are higher and better than ours.

Point 3: God’s Mysterious Purpose

Key Scripture: Romans 8:28 (KJV)“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is that God works all things together for good. However, this promise doesn’t mean life will always make sense. Like the shepherd in the parable, God may lead us through difficult terrain to bring us to a greater blessing.

Consider the story of Job. Job endured unimaginable suffering—loss of family, wealth, and health. Yet in the end, God restored Job and revealed His greater purpose: to deepen Job’s understanding of God’s majesty and faithfulness (Job 42:5-6).

Commentary: God’s purposes are often hidden from us, but they are never random. He sees the end from the beginning and uses every circumstance, even our pain and confusion, to accomplish His will. When we trust Him, we can rest in the assurance that His plans are for our ultimate good.

Conclusion: Trusting God Through Uncertainty

Let’s return to the parable of the shepherd. The sheep didn’t understand why the shepherd chose the unfamiliar path, but they trusted him because they knew his heart. Similarly, we may not always understand why God leads us the way He does, but we can trust Him because He is good and His ways are perfect.

In every story we’ve explored—Joseph, the Israelites, Job—we see a common thread: God’s unpredictability was never about confusion or manipulation; it was about leading His people to a deeper understanding of His power, love, and sovereignty.

This is ultimately embodied in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled God’s greatest plan in the most unexpected way. The Messiah, born in a manger, rejected by His own people, and crucified on a cross, accomplished the redemption of the world through His death and resurrection. As 1 Corinthians 1:25 (KJV) reminds us: “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

When we encounter uncertainty in life, let us remember that God’s ways are not our ways. Like the shepherd, He leads us through unfamiliar paths to bring us to greater blessings. Let us trust Him, knowing that His plans are always higher, His timing is always perfect, and His purposes are always good.

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