Wednesday, 21 August 2024
REIGNING IN THE MIDST OF ADVERSITIES
For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet (1 Corinthians 15:25).
Some read the verse above and assume it means all enemies aren’t yet under Jesus’ feet, but that’s not what it’s saying. Observe that it doesn't say that Christ will reign “when” He has put all enemies under His feet. Rather, it says, “…until He has put all enemies under His feet.” In other words, He reigns in the midst of His enemies.
The Greek word translated reign is ‘basileuō’ (a verb), and it means to rule or to king. To truly grasp this, let’s review an aspect of Romans 5:17, the part that says, "... much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ."
The Lord Jesus, who must reign or “king” as read in our opening verse, is in heaven where there are no enemies to reign over. This means the place to reign is here on earth, and how is He to reign? It’s through the Church; it’s through us.
Colossians 1:18 NIV says, "And he [Jesus] is the head of the body, the church...." Jesus is the head, the Church is His body, and the feet, as highlighted in the theme text, are a part of the body. Thus, Jesus continues to reign in the earth until all the enemies are subject to every member of the body of Christ.
That must happen before Jesus comes back. Can you see that the Lord isn’t coming for a beggarly, weakly, feeble or frail church? No! He’s coming for a triumphant Church (Ephesians 5:27). The Bible says He has “…made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10).
No wonder the Lord Jesus said in John 16:33, “… In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." We’re born of Him and our faith in Him is our victory over the world. Now you see why James 1:2 says to count it all joy when you go through diverse tests. That’s because we reign in the midst of adversities.
It reminds of what David said, “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies...” (Psalm 23:5). The enemies don’t count. In their midst you reign, you rule, you celebrate. Glory to God!
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank you for the victory we have in Christ Jesus. I’m a member of the body of Christ, empowered to reign, rule and walk on in victory in this world. I reign in righteousness, walk in victory and manifest your Kingdom here on earth, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 5:17 AMPC; Colossians 1:16-18; Romans 8:35-39
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 6 & Psalms 119:1-112
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Colossians 1:9-18 & Jeremiah 6