This is the second in a series looking at why it’s imperative that we, the church, are victorious over sin, over selfishness, and over cultural conformity.
In my last blog, Children of the Heavenly Father, we looked at the first reason living holy, God-honoring lives; because of who we are in Christ. This time we’ll begin looking at the second reason; because of who we serve.
We serve the great “I Am”
We serve a great God; a great, wonderful, powerful, awe-inspiring God. The God who created all things from nothing, by simply speaking them into existence.
Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
– Genesis 1:3
He even created time, and therefore exists eternally free from it. He always was and always will be. God, existing in three persons, is the only eternal being. That’s why Christ alone, through His sin sacrifice and conquering resurrection, can give us eternal life.
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” – John 8:58
“Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last,and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.” – Revelation 1:17b-18
We serve the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Our God reigns, supreme and sovereign over all of creation, all of this world’s events, over all earthly authority.
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and on the earth; Yours is the dominion, Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. – 1 Chronicles 29:11
We can, and should, be good stewards of the natural resources God has entrusted to us, but God still controls creation. He dictates when and where the rain will fall, and which volcanoes will erupt and whether the climate will change.
He also loads the clouds with moisture; He disperses the cloud of His lightning. It changes direction, turning around by His guidance, that it may do whatever He commands it on the face of the inhabited earth. Whether for correction, or for His earth, or for goodness, He causes it to happen. -Job 37:11-13
The Lord of Lords also orchestrates world events for His purposes, to His glory. He gives and He takes away. As one old hymn says, he sends both “bain and blessings.” His plan is playing out before our very eyes. We needn’t be distressed about the chaos around us. God’s got this!
For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things which have not been done, saying, ‘My plan will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure.’ – Isaiah 46: 9b-10
And the King of King has ultimate authority over every world leader. God allows world leaders to sit in their positions of authority. God allows Satan to wreak havoc on this earth. God takes out leaders, too. And one day, hopefully soon, Satan chaotic reign on this earth will come to an end. We don’t understand God’s reasons, nor does He owe us an explanation. We rest in the knowledge that God has it all under control.
It is He who changes the times and the periods; He removes kings and appoints kings; – Daniel 2:21a
And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. – Revelation 20:10
Our God and King, who is unlike any god conceived in man’s imagination or any earthly king, is worthy of our unabated worship, our jubilant praise and our unwavering devotion. He is worthy of our complete submission and obedience. Let’s ask God for the desire and strength to love Him with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength.
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.
Next Time: Holy, Holy, Holy