Done Day 8 Endless Rule & Reign
Ephesians 1:20-23
Isaiah 11:1-10
Colossians 1:13-23
Hebrews 1:1-12
Revelation 5
I have a complex relationship with the idea of “rule and reign.”
You see, I grew up in a country still connected to the monarchy of Great Britain. Although an independent country, most of its laws closely resemble those of the previous ruling nation, England; similarly, our Governor General remains as a representative of the monarchy within our country.
Sitting monarchs have visited the islands on numerous occasions. Those times are marked by much pomp and ceremony, with roads and streets cordoned off, and people lining up to view the visitors at a distance.
As these occasions illustrate, there is limited availability of the monarch to the people. Furthermore, the ruling class live in protected residences and access is not given to the common populace. The power of the Governor General is imbued not by the people, but by the reigning monarch by recommendation of the ruling Prime Minister (the head of the government).
This association with “royalty or majesty” paints a pale comparison to the rule and reign of Jesus Christ.
First of all, understanding Jesus Christ’s identity is paramount to this discourse.
John 1:1 states,
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
As the living Word of God, Christ has sovereignty and supremacy over all things. Sovereignty speaks of supreme power and authority, and supremacy speaks to the condition of being superior to all others in authority, power, and status.
Ephesians 1:20-21 explains, “[God the Father] exercised this power in Christ by raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens–far above every ruler and authority, power and dominion, and every title given, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”
Jesus Christ’s eternal existence prior to, and His participation in, creation also speak to His intimate knowledge of His creation. For example, when I am creating a cover for my seat cushions, I know exactly which side is stitched well, which areas are too tight, where I had a problem with my thread. Those who simply sit on these cushions, however, do not have the same knowledge, because they did not have a hand in creating the cushions.
The Scriptures reiterate, “Indeed, the hairs of your head are all counted.” (Luke 12:7a) When I consider this wondrous statement as a mother myself, one who loves my children with all I have but cannot begin to tell you how many strands of hair cover my child’s head, I am humbled and enthralled by the One who is above all and knows all.
Jesus Christ . . .
the One who humbled Himself to become human,
Who lived a sinless life to reveal the Father to us and bring His kingdom to earth,
Who suffered death on the cross and rose again to free us from the power of sin and death,
Who now sits with the Father as an advocate for those who repent and believe . . .
This Jesus Christ has all the fullness of God within Him and has reconciled all things through Himself, making true and lasting peace through His endless rule and reign. (Colossians 1:13-23)
As the Church, we benefit from Christ’s sacrifice and victory in many ways.
Firstly, He has given me freedom from the penalty and weight of our sins.
“Therefore there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus[.]” (Romans 8:1)
Secondly, He has clothed us in righteousness, and we have been adopted into His family.
“So, then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household[.]” (Ephesians 2:19)
Thirdly, we are invited to partner with Him to share with the good news of this gospel.
“For you are saved by grace through faith [. . .] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:8, 10)
Fourth, we get to participate in the community of believers, often called the body of Christ.
“And He subjected everything under His feet and appointed Him as head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.” (Ephesians 1:22-23)
Finally, no one can take this glorious gift from us.
“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28)
Sisters, the knowledge and truth of the fullness of Christ’s power gives us strength, boldness, and hope.
Strength to live each day, seeking to share the truth of the gospel.
Boldness, knowing we, too, have been given new life in Him.
Hope, because we know the One in whom we place our faith possesses all power and authority.
Today, we can look forward to Jesus Christ’s endless rule and reign, one of peace, tender intimacy, and the hope of eternal restoration! (Isaiah 11:1-10)
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