“Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.” I Chronicles 16:31
When I was in college, I took several world history classes. I learned that many who ruled kingdoms and empires were brutal and self-centered, and remembered only for their wicked ways. They ruled with iron fists, and their cruelties knew no bounds. Their subjects suffered endlessly and without hope because these leaders were ruthless and without mercy.
It is difficult for me to comprehend the horrors of this type of leadership because the one who reigns over me is the complete antithesis to these horrific rulers. The one who rules over me is good, just, merciful, and true. He loves me with such enormity that he would do anything to keep me close to his heart. He is so powerful that no other king or worldly power can topple him from his throne. There is total safety and security in his hands. When I disappointed him, he is always ready to forgive me and restore my relationship with him. The one who rules over me is the Creator of the universe, the author and finisher of my faith, and the one I can call “Father.” (John 1:12, Romans 8:15).
God is my sovereign.
God is holy, righteous, just, merciful, honest, loving, forgiving… I could go on and on listing the wonderful attributes of my Lord. He is the One who rules over my life. He is benevolent toward me, longsuffering and patient with me, and He loves me with an everlasting love. In fact, God loves not only me, but the entire world! He loves us all so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth to become our Saviour. This is what we celebrate at this time of year – the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth as a baby who would grow up and eventually die for the sins of the entire world. How wonderful to know that God loves us so much that “… He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Such amazing love He has for us! How can we not rejoice over this?
God is also omniscient. He knows everything, and His wisdom governs His actions. He always acts in our best interests. God’s goodness, holiness, and righteousness continually shines down upon us, and His love for us is everlasting! (Jeremiah 31:3) His mercy endures forever! (Psalm 136:2) This is the God who reigns supreme over all!
One day, all nations on this earth will recognize God for who He is. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10-11) Oh, what a day that will be! But until then, I will worship Him in my heart, looking forward to the day when I will see Him as He is (1 John 3:2), bowing down before His actual presence, and thanking Him for all He has done for me. Until then, I will continue to worship and adore Him, and serve Him to the best of my ability. I will rejoice in my heart and be glad that He is my Lord and Saviour, and I shall continually be “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13)
O worship the king all glorious above,
O gratefully sing his power and his love;
Our shield and defender, the ancient of days,
Pavilioned in splendor, and girded with praise.
(from “O Worship the King” by Robert Grant)
“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15
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We are the reason He came. He is the reason we live.