True kings rule. They draw lines in the sand and say, “This far and no further.” They protect and bless those around them and take ownership of other people’s problems.
Jesus is a prime example. He didn’t have to leave the comforts of heaven and die for us but he did. This was a noble and kingly act. Seeing our sorry state he said, “I am going to come and tread upon their problem even if it kills me.”
The heart of this Great King beats in your heart. His Spirit is one with your spirit.
Jesus didn’t hang up his crown after ascending to heaven. He plans to reign until all his enemies have been defeated. Through your union with Christ, you are destined to reign.
For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. (Romans 5:17)
Adam’s failure to be a king condemned the human race. His sin opened the door to death, disease, defeat, discouragement, and disappointment. But we who were victims of Adam’s disobedience have become victorious through Christ’s obedience.
There is a new king in town and his name is Grace.
Under Adam death reigned, but under Grace we reign. At least, that’s the plan. In truth, not every Christian does reign. Many are racked with guilt and tortured by condemnation. They struggle with sin and live in anxiety. Problems assail them from every side and they are unsuccessful in much of what they do. Although Christ has provided all we need for the abundant life of royalty, they are not enjoying it. They are the paupers in the palace.
Why do some live like this?
This isn’t rocket science. If there is little evidence of the grace of God in your life that doesn’t mean God is tightfisted. It means you have not yet received from his abundant supply. The incalculable riches of grace have been deposited into your account but you have not made any withdrawals.
I don’t say this to criticize anyone or to belittle your faith, but to recognize that most of us have been raised in a culture of unbelief.
We are constantly hearing that God has not provided all we need to rule and reign. We are told that there are things we must do to make that happen. This faithless message is loudest in the church that does not walk in grace.
Ironically, this is exactly the sort of church where you will often hear that you must live by faith, pray with faith, and walk by faith, as if talking about faith had the power to magically make things happen. The trouble is nothing ever does happen and when that happens you’ll be told you didn’t have enough faith. “You gotta have more faith and here is a list of things you have to do to get it.”
Walking by faith is walking in grace. There is no difference. Want to walk by faith? Then learn how to walk in his grace. Learn to receive what he has already provided.
One way to do that is to stop begging God to act, and start thanking him for what he’s done. Another way is to stop voicing your doubts and start speaking his word. Yet another way is to get your eyes off yourself and fix them on Jesus.
The princes of this world walk and talk the language of fear and insecurity, but the kings of the kingdom walk and talk like Jesus. They are constantly acknowledging and praising God for all he has done, because they understand that gratitude is the language of faith.
Even when their lives are going down the toilet, true kings continue praising God. They don’t do this to escape from an objectionable reality, but as an act of defiance. Like Paul singing in the prison, they refuse to believe that all they see is all there is.
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thess 5:18)
Are you going through tough times? Are you the victim of injustice? Are you being hammered by sickness and oppression? Rise up in your kingly identity and lift up the Name of him who is above all names.
Perhaps you are sitting there wondering what God’s plan is for your situation. It’s very simple: His plan is for you to rule in his Name, so rule!
Don’t judge the circumstances with your own understanding, but lean on the Lord. He has you in his strong right hand and he will never let you go. With your faith assured, let the words that come from your mouth speak to his superior reality.
King down upon your circumstances, then watch as they bend under the weight of his glory!
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