There are two readings for today.
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 93
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. [Psalm 93:1-2]
A psalm celebrating the ‘firm and secure’ authority of God, established before the world began, and guaranteed to the very end of the age.
God’s rule is so firmly established, that not even Satan or humanity’s rebellion could unseat Him.
The only question is whether that authority is acknowledged on earth, whether those He places in positions of authority in creation bend their knee and heart to Him.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” [Matthew 28:18-20]
If Jesus is God, how can all authority in heaven and on earth be given to Him; how can He receive what is already His by right.
As Jesus Himself says, And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. [John 17:5]
The eternal Son of God did not need to be given authority; His throne was establushed long ago, He is from all eternity.
It is not as God that He receives authority, it is as a human being.
God becomes what we (and Adam and Eve) should have been: the perfect, faithful image-bearer of God ruling on God’s behalf on earth as it is in heaven.
God’s rule and authority are not in question, but humanity’s submission to that authority is.
Jesus comes to restore God’s appointed image-bearer to their position of authority in creation; this is why Jesus is described as the image of the invisible God, and also the last Adam [Colossians 1:15, 1 Corinthians 15:45].
God’s authority is firm and secure, but His authorized servants lost their authority; in Jesus it has been restored, and it will continue to the very end of the age.
We are a part of this restored humanity; through Jesus we once again reflect the image of God, by His Spirit, though in limited fashion.
We reign with Him now in part, and will one day reign with Him fully.
Until then, we rely on Him to rule for us.
And we bow down to Him, and honour His rule.
For His throne was established long ago; He is from all eternity!
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for bringing things back to their proper place, under God’s authority. Speed the day when every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that You are Lord!