Rhapsody of Realities 21 August 2024: Reigning in the Midst of Adversities
Scripture: 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.
Read Yesterday’s Rhapsody of Realities Here
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
For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
Colossians 1:16-18
For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him.
17 And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together).
18 He also is the Head of [His] body, the church; seeing He is the Beginning, the Firstborn from among the dead, so that He alone in everything and in every respect might occupy the chief place [stand first and be preeminent].
Romans 8:35-39
Who shall ever separate us from Christ’s love? Shall suffering and affliction and tribulation? Or calamity and distress? Or persecution or hunger or destitution or peril or sword?
36 Even as it is written, For Thy sake we are put to death all the day long; we are regarded and counted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.
38 For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers,
39 Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1 – YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: 1 Corinthians 6 & Psalms 119:1-112
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Colossians 1:9-18 & Jeremiah 6
Don’t forget to Follow Elanhub on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Rhapsody of Realities 21 August 2024
Follow ELANHUB on Social Media for More Rhapsody of Realities
Comments 1